Greenland : Europe won't let others redraw Arctic maps

Following the European Parliament delegation's mission to Greenland, Renew Europe delivers an unambiguous message: Europe stands firmly behind its Arctic partners as tensions escalate over this European territory.

Led by Renew MEP Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmerman, chair of the Committee on Security & Defence and with the participation of Renew Europe's Security and Defence Coordinator Nathalie Loiseau, the mission comes at a critical moment, Russian threats in the Arctic and alarming statements from Washington have transformed this autonomous Danish territory into a strategic flashpoint.

Greenland is not for sale, not for rent, and certainly not a bargaining chip recalls Renew Europe. 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 America's renewed territorial ambitions have woken Europe to new security realities.

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, chair of the Committee on Security & Defence 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.”

Nathalie Loiseau emphasized : "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 strenghtening cooperation between Greenland, Denmark and the EU, that will 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.

Renew Europe's message is crystal clear: Europe will not stand idle while others seek to redraw Arctic maps. The delegation's presence in Greenland sends a powerful signal that European democracy has deep roots in the Arctic – and intends to keep them there.