EU pledges more than $200m to Greenland amid Trump annexation threats
Brussels has proposed doubling direct EU aid to Greenland under the bloc's next budget as military exercises kick off.
The European Union has signed a declaration with resource-rich Greenland, promising a stronger partnership and announcing a $232m (200 million-euro) investment package to soothe anxiety caused by repeated threats from US President Donald Trump to annex the self-governing Danish territory.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the package, aimed at improving local quality of life over the next two years, during a visit to the Greenlandic capital Nuuk on Monday.
The EU shifted its focus towards Greenland, seeking increased cooperation with the Arctic island, following Trump’s push for greater US control of the semi-autonomous territory. His persistent threats, citing national security concerns, resulted in pushback from Greenland and Denmark and strained relationships with NATO allies.
Von der Leyen said the EU aims to be “more present and more engaged” in the region. Brussels has proposed doubling direct EU aid to Greenland to 530 million euros ($616m) under the bloc’s next budget for the 2028–2034 period.