Earlier this week, a European Parliament delegation undertook a mission to Greenland. Following the visit, Renew Europe’s message was clear: Europe stands firmly behind its Arctic partners as tensions escalate over this European territory.
Led by Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmerman MEP (FDP, DE), Chair of the European Parliament Committee on Security & Defence, and joined by Renew Europe Security and Defence Coordinator Nathalie Loiseau MEP (Horizons, FR), the mission came at a critical moment, as Russian threats in the Arctic and alarming statements from Washington have transformed this autonomous Danish territory into a strategic flashpoint.
For Renew Europe, the message is clear: Greenland is not for sale, nor for rent and certainly not a bargaining chip. We share unshakeable democratic values with Greenland, and Europe will defend these principles against any attempt at intimidation or coercion.
The timing is no coincidence. As climate change melts Arctic ice, it opens new shipping lanes and reveals untapped resources, making Greenland a prize coveted by global superpowers. This visit proves that climate change and security are two sides of the same coin.
Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and the United States’ renewed territorial ambitions have awoken Europe to new security realities.
Strack-Zimmermann stated: “As Greenland’s close partners, we came to listen and reassure Greenlanders that Europe remains committed to our shared democratic values. Together, the EU and Greenland can navigate geopolitical uncertainties and secure a peaceful future through our collective strength. The military exercises we witnessed send a clear political message: European forces are ready to lead within NATO and defend Greenland. In partnership with Denmark, we stand firmly with Greenland and its people. Greenland’s future belongs to Greenlanders, and they will always have Europe as a strong ally.”
Loiseau added: "At a time when the Arctic is stirring up dangerous rivalries and covetousness, we came to meet the Greenlanders who want to continue living in peace and ensure that nothing concerning them is decided without them. This is exactly the same message as ours."
There is space for strengthening cooperation between Greenland, Denmark and the EU to reinforce the role and place of Greenland in Europe. Among other projects, Renew Europe supports the development of the pioneering Arctic connectivity route to ensure trusted data flows between Europe and Japan. It underscores Greenland's growing importance beyond traditional security concerns, proving that digital infrastructure and geopolitical strategy are inseparable in the modern era.
For Renew Europe, the EU cannot not stand idle while others seek to redraw Arctic maps. The delegation's presence in Greenland sent a powerful signal that European democracy has deep roots in the Arctic – and intends to keep them there.