“Greenland Needs the EU, and the EU Needs Greenland”
Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the leader of the Greenlandic government Naalakkersuisut, gave a speech to the MEPs in Strasbourg on Wednesday. The European Parliament is one of two legislative assemblies in the EU. Its main tasks are legislation and budgeting, as well as control of the European Commission, which is the union's executive authority. (Photo: Fred Marvaux/the European Union)
On Wednesday, Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, addressed EU Parliament in Strasbourg. He emphasized the importance of the partnership with the EU and the potential for further cooperation in areas such as critical raw materials and renewable energy.
Jens-Frederik Nielsen (D) is the first Greenlandic prime minister to address the EU Parliament.
The speech was held on Wednesday by an invitation from the parliament's President, Roberta Metsola (PN).
"I am both happy and honored by President Metsola's invitation. This marks a new milestone in our good cooperation with the EU, and also an opportunity to promote the wish for increased cooperation between us," said Nielsen at the podium and continued:
"With the challenges and possibilities that Greenland and the EU face today, I believe that we can find strong solutions that are beneficial to us both through a enhanced partnership. Greenland needs the EU, and the EU needs us. I look forward to continuing the dialogue with the EU on our cooperation."
The Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and the European Parliament President Roberta Metsola also had a separate meeting in Strasbourg. They discussed the relationship between Greenland and the EU, and confirmed a mutual desire to further develop cooperation between the parties. (Photo: Daina Le Lardic/the European Union)
Stands with Greenland
The Greenlandic head of government was welcomed into the legislative assembly with the following statements from Metsola:
"With Greenland as a strategic partner, we are working side by side to strengthen stability across the Arctic, to counter hybrid threats, and to tackle growing security risks."
" This Parliament will always stand with the people of Greenland for their right to choose their own path, for their territorial integrity,. When Greenland looks to Europe, they will find friends and allies," she underlined.
In his speech, Nielsen also thanked the EU for its strong support in challenging times, that is, in the wake of pressure from US President Donald Trump, who repeatedly has expressed a desire for control over Greenland.
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Relevant areas for intensified collaboration
To the European Parliament, the Greenlandic prime minister emphasized the upcoming negotiations on this budget as a possibility for further strengthening the cooperation between Greenland and the EU.
In the speech, Nielsen more specifically pointed to the potential for increased cooperation on critical raw materials, renewable energy, digitalization, education and sustainable tourism.
Greenland has 24 of the 34 mineral-based raw materials identified by the EU as particularly critical for European industries and business development, and in June, the EU Commission announced that the union would extract graphite on the island. Greenland also has a major hydropower potential.
Trade
The Greenlandic leader also underscored the significance of trade relations between Greenland and the EU, particularly regarding fish and shellfish, and underlined the need for trade to continue to be mutually beneficial.
In addition, Nielsen expressed a hope for the EU to consider amending its general ban on seal products. Seal hunting has always been an important part of the Inuit culture, he underscored, and referred to how the ban has had significant negative consequences for Greenland.
