Von der Leyen vows to bolster EU defence, supports Greenland's autonomy
Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, expressed her support for Greenland's integrity during her visit to Denmark and announced an increase in investments in Europe's defence.
During her visit to Copenhagen, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her support for Greenland's integrity and emphasised that Europe will always protect this region's independence.
During a speech at the Royal Danish Military Academy, the EC President addressed the people of Greenland and Denmark and affirmed Europe's unwavering support for independence and territorial integrity.
Investments in Europe's defence as a guarantee of Greenland's security
In her speech, von der Leyen emphasized the need to boost investments in European defence. Addressing the cadets, she stressed that Europe must be prepared for conflict to prevent it, noting that the "peace dividend" era has ended. She urged EU countries to accelerate military investments, citing Denmark’s creation of a £4.6 billion fund for arms procurement as an example.
Von der Leyen emphasised that it is important not only to increase funds but also to spend them effectively. "We need to buy more European (weapons) because it strengthens the foundation of European defense technology and industry," - she appealed.
During her visit to Copenhagen, von der Leyen met with Denmark's Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen. Denmark will take over the presidency of the European Council from Poland on 1 July. The purpose of the EC President's visit was to discuss future actions in defence and European cooperation.
The EC President's words about Greenland's integrity and security are related to several remarks by Donald Trump. The former U.S. President announced the annexation of Greenland to the USA with the help of NATO. Greenland's Prime Minister, Mutte B. Egede, expressed outrage, emphasising that the island is not for sale and that the residents will decide their future.
The Democrats won the parliamentary elections in Greenland. The party advocates for the island's independence, but only after achieving economic independence. Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the party leader, considered Trump's remarks inappropriate.
Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, has hosted a U.S. military base since 1951. Pituffik Space Base, commonly known by its former name Thule Air Base – is located in the northwestern part of the island, near Qaanaaq, about 1,200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle.
