Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is set to land on Greenland Wednesday for a three-day visit aimed at strengthening ties with the semi-autonomous territory’s incoming government. Her trip comes just days after U.S. Vice President JD Vance made controversial remarks questioning Denmark’s ability to safeguard Greenland, reigniting tensions over American interest in the Arctic island.
Diplomatic Tensions and Sovereignty Debates
Greenland’s newly elected Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, welcomed Frederiksen’s impending visit, calling Denmark “Greenland’s closest partner.” However, relations between Denmark and Greenland have been historically strained due to past colonial mistreatment, and recent geopolitical developments have added new complexities.
During his visit last week, Vance suggested that the U.S. could better protect Greenland than Denmark, sparking backlash from both Danish and Greenlandic officials. According to Reuters, Nielsen criticized Vance’s comments, saying, “Talking about annexation and acquiring Greenland without respecting sovereignty is not respectful. Let’s start by respecting each other and build a great partnership.”
FILE PHOTO: U.S. Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance board Air Force Two after touring the U.S. military’s Pituffik Space Base in Greenland on March 28, 2025. Jim Watson/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
Frederiksen pushed back against Vance’s claims, calling his description of Denmark’s role in Greenland “not fair.” She reaffirmed that it is up to Greenland’s 57,000 inhabitants to decide their own future.
Greenland’s Path to Independence
While opinion polls show a majority of Greenlanders favor independence from Denmark, many are wary of rushing the process due to economic concerns and the risk of increased U.S. influence.
Nielsen reiterated Greenland’s long-term goal of sovereignty but emphasized the importance of maintaining strong ties with Denmark in the meantime. “Greenland will strengthen its ties with Denmark until we can fulfill our ultimate wish to become a sovereign nation,” he told Reuters.
At the same time, Greenland seeks to establish a “respectful relationship” with the United States. Washington has expressed growing strategic interest in the Arctic, particularly given Greenland’s military significance and natural resources.
Leader of the Democrats (Demokraatit) party and Greenland’s Prime Minister-elect Jens-Frederik Nielsen talks to the media in Nuuk, Greenland, March 28, 2025. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
Denmark’s Push to Improve Relations
Trump’s past interest in purchasing Greenland in 2019, combined with broader geopolitical competition in the Arctic, has led Denmark to accelerate efforts to improve its relationship with Greenland. Frederiksen’s visit aims to reaffirm Denmark’s commitment to the island while addressing concerns about external influence.
As global powers increasingly eye Greenland’s strategic position and natural resources, the island’s leadership faces a delicate balancing act—navigating its aspirations for independence while maintaining beneficial partnerships with both Denmark and the U.S.
