The Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, has made a gesture of solidarity with Greenlandic leaders during her first visit to the Arctic island since Donald Trump’s re-emphasized threats of acquiring the territory. She declared that any challenges faced by Greenland also affect Denmark and Europe.
Accompanied by Greenland’s new Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, and Greenland’s outgoing Prime Minister, Múte B Egede, Frederiksen displayed unity and focus on Arctic security. The visit was captured with the leaders inspecting the sea and on a helicopter aboard the ocean-patrol vessel HDMS Vædderen.
Frederiksen expressed that Denmark and Europe will not be swayed by the U.S. interests over Greenland, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. She also made it clear via social media with a post about “Cooperation. Equality. Security” with a photo featuring the leaders.
Despite criticisms over the new government not yet being officially approved, Nielsen stated it was natural for Denmark and Greenland to meet soon. The visit marks Frederiksen’s return to Greenland since a prior trip with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in March 2024.
Greenland has been a Danish colony since and still falls under Danish rule regarding foreign and security policies. However, there is a growing independence movement in Greenland, which has seen recent momentum particularly due to alleged mistreatment by the Danish state and which the Trump administration appears to be trying to capitalize on.
The threat of U.S. intervention seems to have deterred Greenland’s appetite for a quick move toward independence. A recent general election led to a coalition agreement just before U.S. Vice-President JD Vance’s visit to Greenland, with the most U.S.-friendly party stepping away from negotiations.
As the White House estimates the costs of governing Greenland, Fredriksen and Greenlandic leaders emphasize the territory’s sovereignty and the collective stance against U.S. control.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/03/danish-pm-mette-frederiksen-visits-greenland-show-solidarity-trump-acquisition-threats
