Von der Leyen announces 200-million-euro investment package during Greenland visit
The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen (L), Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (R) and Greenland's head of government Jens-Frederik Nielsen (C) visit the company Eutelsat Oneweb in Nuuk, Greenland, September 7, 2026. (Photo: VCG)
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a 200-million-euro (about $232 million) investment package for Greenland during a visit to Nuuk on Monday, aimed at strengthening cooperation between the European Union and Greenland.
The Global Gateway Partnership Package will support investments in and with Greenland this year and next year, the European Commission said in a press release.
During the visit, von der Leyen, Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen signed a joint declaration to reinforce their partnership.
The declaration and investment package will expand cooperation in education and fisheries, while supporting satellite and cable connectivity, hydropower and critical raw materials, according to the statement.
The package also includes support for better housing, sustainable tourism and small businesses.
"Greenland can count on the EU," von der Leyen said in the release, describing Greenland as "a strategic ally and a trusted friend."
She said the package would create new opportunities and strengthen the EU's presence and engagement in Greenland and the Arctic.
Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. US President Donald Trump's repeated remarks about US control over the island have caused concern among European allies and renewed debate over Arctic security, sovereignty and NATO cohesion.