Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The European Union on Monday moved to reassure Greenland with the promise of a stronger partnership and 200 million euros in support over the next two years, after repeated threats by US President Donald Trump to take control of the island. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the money would help Greenland deal with climate change, improve internet links, and upgrade hydropower plants, fisheries and education.
advertisement
The visit also carried a political message as Greenland and Denmark have pushed back against Trump’s claims that the United States should control the island for security reasons. Von der Leyen said Greenland’s future could be decided only by Greenland and Denmark, and also said she wanted to double EU budget support to Greenland to around half a billion euros from 2028.
During her visit to Nuuk, von der Leyen said, “Greenland’s future is for the people of Greenland and Denmark to decide. No one else.” She added, “Territorial integrity, sovereignty, the inviolability of borders. These are fundamental principles of international law.”
Funds announced by the EU are also meant for better housing, support to small businesses and sustainable tourism. After signing an EU-Greenland declaration with Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, von der Leyen said, “Greenland can count on the EU.” Greenland is a semiautonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark.
Nielsen described the 27-member EU as “a loyal and trusted friend”, especially at a time when the island faces “new challenges that we cannot tackle alone”. He told von der Leyen, “Through these challenging times, your support to us is unfailing. You have stood by us and continue to stand by us. We feel it and are deeply grateful.”
Frederiksen said Denmark had also come under pressure from the Trump administration. “We have been under pressure,” she told reporters. “It has been very clear, and we are very thankful for the great support we have received from our European partners but, by the way, also globally.”
In January, Denmark and seven European allies sent a small group of military personnel to Greenland, publicly for exercises aimed at strengthening Arctic security, but also to show support for Greenland’s sovereignty. In response, Trump threatened new tariffs on Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The countries said the move would undermine trans-Atlantic ties, and Trump later stepped back after NATO agreed to strengthen security in the Arctic region.
Von der Leyen’s visit came as 11 NATO countries began military exercises in Greenland on Monday with around 400 personnel, including special forces trained for Arctic conditions from Canada, Denmark and Finland. No US troops are part of the Arctic Shield drills, which are due to continue until September 18. Taken together, the visit, the funding pledge and the diplomatic backing underlined Europe’s effort to support Greenland as it faces pressure over its future and sovereignty.
With PTI Inputs
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
