Denmark pledges 15 billion kroner to fortify Arctic frontiers
The Danish government is investing in the defence of Greenland. It plans to allocate 15 billion kroner for this purpose, which will be spent on, among other things, three Arctic warships and two long-range drones.
The agreement on this matter, known as the "Arctic" agreement, was signed by both parties forming the government and the majority of the opposition. The authorities of Denmark's dependent territories, Greenland and the Faroe Islands, supported the decision.
Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen stressed that this is the first stage of a political agreement for the security of Greenland and the North Atlantic. The subsequent stages will be agreed upon by the end of summer 2025.
- We want to convey that even more needs to be done for the Arctic, both in terms of greater presence in Greenland and creating a better image - Poulsen stressed at a specially convened conference.
Reaction to US actions
The decision to invest came three weeks after Donald Trump, while President-elect, did not rule out the use of force to take over Greenland. Danish broadcaster DR noted that over the weekend, Trump reminded the Danish authorities that they had sent two dog sleds to Greenland.
Minister Poulsen noted that Denmark wants to cooperate with other allies in the Arctic region, such as Canada, Norway, and the USA.
- This is not an effort that should be borne solely by Denmark - Poulsen emphasised at the press conference.
