01/23/2026, 07:2101/23/2026, 07:49
Against the background of political tensions with the USA, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has acknowledged mistakes made by the Europeans in dealing with Greenland and the Arctic. “Together we have invested too little in the Arctic and the security of the Arctic,” said the German politician after a special EU summit in Brussels. Therefore, it is now high time to move up a gear.
Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the EU Commission.Image: keystone
Von der Leyen made the comments in view of the recent escalation of the conflict with US President Donald Trump, who would like to incorporate Greenland into the United States. As a means of coercion, the Republican had at times even threatened punitive tariffs against European allies who opposed his plan. The conflict was only apparently defused on Wednesday evening when Trump met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
More money, more cooperation and an icebreaker
Trump had justified his claim to ownership with security policy considerations. Von der Leyen stated that he wanted to deepen cooperation on these issues with the United States, but also with Great Britain, Canada, Norway, Iceland and other partners. “This has become a real geopolitical necessity,” she said.
In addition, investments must be made in particular in equipment suitable for the Arctic, such as a European icebreaker. In the next EU budget from 2028, the Commission also wants to double financial support for Greenland, which is part of the territory of Denmark. Von der Leyen announced a “comprehensive investment package” that Brussels plans to present soon. (sda/dpa)