Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, is set to visit Greenland on Wednesday, April 2, for discussions with the territory’s newly appointed government.
This trip comes in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s persistent interest in expanding American influence over the Arctic Island.
Frederiksen’s three-day visit follows U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s recent trip to Greenland, which faced significant pushback from both Danish and Greenlandic authorities.
Incoming Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who recently won a general election and is in the process of forming a coalition government, has expressed support for Frederiksen’s visit, reaffirming that Denmark remains Greenland’s closest ally.
Tensions between Greenland and Denmark have arisen from historical grievances tied to colonial rule. However, escalating international competition for Arctic influence—highlighted by Trump’s ambitions regarding Greenland—has motivated Denmark to fortify its relationship with the island.
Nielsen emphasized Greenland’s aspiration for eventual sovereignty while underlining the importance of a robust partnership with Denmark.
“Greenland aims for a respectful relationship with the United States. Discussions about annexation or acquiring Greenland without acknowledging its sovereignty are inappropriate. We need to start with mutual respect to build a strong alliance,” he stated.
During his recent visit to a U.S. military base in northern Greenland, Vice President Vance criticized Denmark’s role in ensuring the island’s security, suggesting that the United States might be better suited for that responsibility.
In response, Frederiksen defended Denmark, asserting that it is ultimately up to the people of Greenland to determine their future, describing Vance’s remarks as unfair.
