Denmark’s King to visit Greenland amid U.S. interest « Euro Weekly News

Denmark’s King Frederik will visit Greenland next week, in a strategic show of solidarity with the Danish territory that faces a challenge to its autonomy by Donald Trump’s threats of annexation.

Greenland’s prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, will reciprocate and visit Denmark on 26 April to further display unity after a tumultuous period after the Trump administration signaled its intention to take over the island. Greenland is rich in raw materials, and enjoys a privileged location of strategic value to the United States.

Tensions rose recently when U.S. Vice President JD Vance accused Denmark of not doing a good job of keeping the island safe from Russia and China, and suggested the U.S. could better protect the territory. His visit sparked outrage from Danish media. The Prime Minister called for increased Arctic defence collaboration with the United States and dismissed North American country’s desire to annex the island.

Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. In 1953, it was made part of the Kingdom, when Greenlanders became Danish citizens. In 1979, a referendum on home rule gave Greenland control of most policies within the territory, with Denmark retaining control over foreign affairs and defence.

While many Greenlanders advocate for independence, many Danes view the historical connection with Greenland as a key part of Danish national identity.

The matter of independence and sovereignty has tainted the territory’s political and media landscape. Greenland’s centre-right opposition party recently won the territory’s general election in a surprise result, in a campaign largely influenced by talks of independence and by the Trump’s administration threat of a takeover.

During a speech to the United States Congress, Trump said that control of Greenland was essential “for national security and international security.” The President also tried purchasing Greenland during his first presidential term, but was swiftly rejected by both the Danish and Greenlandic government.

According to recent polls, almost 80 per cent of Greenlanders back independence from Denmark, however, 85 per cent rejected the idea of becoming part of the US, versus only 6 per cent who supported it.