On September 7, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Nuuk to sign a partnership agreement. The deal was formalized through a joint declaration signed by EU officials, Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
The EU is allocating €200 million for 2026 and 2027. These funds are designated for digital connectivity, sustainable mining, renewable energy, education, fisheries, tourism, and housing. Local business leaders estimate this investment represents 7-8% of Greenland's annual GDP.
The new package expands previous EU support, which focused on education and fisheries, to include strategic raw materials such as graphite and molybdenum. Greenland possesses 24 of the 34 raw materials identified as critical by the EU, including the Kvanefjeld deposit of rare earth elements.
This funding follows a previous commitment of €225 million for the 2021-2027 period. Current discussions are underway to further increase support with a proposed allocation of €530 million for 2028 to 2034.
The partnership comes amid continued interest from US President Donald Trump in acquiring the island due to its mineral wealth and strategic military position. The US currently operates the Pituffik Space Base in northern Greenland.
