BRUSSELS, Jan 20 (KUNA) -- EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas affirmed on Tuesday that Greenland belongs to its people and that no threats or tariffs will change that fact, stressing that sovereignty is not for negotiation or trade.
In remarks delivered during a plenary session of the European Parliament, Kallas said that Greenlandآ’s strategic importance "is not a secret", pointing to its proximity to key submarine lanes as well as its rich reserves of critical raw minerals that matter for the global economy.
She added that the European Union stands "without doubt" with Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark in defense of their territorial integrity and sovereignty, considering that remarks made by US President Donald Trump last Saturday created an "unprecedented situation".
Kallas stressed that the EUآ’s response to these developments must be to remain calm, hold its ground and act in unity, underlining that the EU is a close and reliable partner to Greenland and that the existing cooperation between the two sides is delivering tangible results.
She noted that the European Commission has proposed doubling the EUآ’s financial support for Greenland under the next multiannual financial framework, explaining that this support reflects the Unionآ’s commitment to strengthening stability and development on the island.
Kallas pointed out that the leaders of Greenland and Denmark have been absolutely clear that the future of Greenland is for its people alone to decide, adding that the United States, Denmark and Greenland are engaged in direct talks, describing this as what responsible allies do.
She emphasized that the tone of these talks matters, warning that threats made outside the framework of dialogue, including tariff threats, will not pressure Denmark into handing over Greenland, but will only make both Europe and the United States poorer and undermine their shared prosperity.
Kallas said that the European Union has no interest in picking a fight, but will hold its ground, stressing that Europe has a full range of tools to protect its interests.
In a related context, she said that the Arctic has become a new frontier for geostrategic competition, noting that as Arctic ice melts there is a growing risk that Russia and China will continue to increase their presence across the region. She pointed out that Russia has for years been investing in military facilities in the High North, while China has been expanding its fleet of polar-capable vessels.
She added that if there are concerns about Greenlandآ’s security, NATO is well suited to address them, noting that a number of European countries sent military personnel over the past week on a scoping mission to Greenland.
Kallas said that this presence is aimed at keeping the region safe, predictable and stable, and poses a threat to no one, stressing that the defense and protection of Greenland is a common concern for Europe and the entire NATO alliance.
She concluded by saying that current developments are indeed unsettling, calling for the highest levels of coordination and unity among European and transatlantic partners. (end) arn.mt