On January 7, Donald Trump made a military threat regarding Greenland, shaking up the dynamics for Nordic countries. Greenland, a territory of Denmark and part of NATO, went from being seen as a reliable ally to a potential risk. This sudden shift pushed Copenhagen to remember its other safety net: the European Union. In response, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen visited Berlin and Paris, making a stop at NATO in Brussels to reinforce that message.
For Greenland, the talk about its future became more pressing with the legislative elections coming up on March 11. Islanders started to realize what independence might look like in such a tense environment. The previously clear advantages of being associated with Denmark now seem uncertain. Some people are even considering a closer connection with the EU.
To grasp this context, it’s essential to know that Greenland didn’t join the European Economic Community (EEC) when Denmark did in 1973. At the time, Greenland had no autonomy and voted against membership. However, Denmark’s votes secured acceptance. Between 1973 and 1985, Greenland became European against its will. This situation led to increased autonomy for the island starting in 1979 and further developments in 2009.
Interestingly, this journey toward independence might be what sparked Trump’s interest in Greenland, highlighting the island’s potential future role in the EU.
A dramatic shift seems plausible in the near future. Many didn’t expect Denmark to quickly change its stance on the Maastricht Treaty, but that’s exactly what happened. Facing a real security threat from Russia, Denmark agreed to engage in the EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy. This shift occurred rapidly after Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The event prompted Finland and Sweden to join NATO and resulted in a Danish referendum on June 1, 2022. Over two-thirds of voters supported changing Denmark’s defense strategy.
