Greenland’s recently elected Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, has sought to deepen the island’s ties with Denmark following recent tensions with the US, amid criticism in Europe of Washington’s “disrespectful” approach towards the territory.
Nielsen, who took office in April 2025 after elections that led to a new coalition government, stated during his first official visit to Copenhagen on April 27 that the future of the autonomous Danish territory of Greenland lay in reinforcing its partnership within the Danish Realm, the BBC reported.
“The uglier and coarser [US President] Donald Trump’s rhetoric towards Greenland becomes, the more attractive in comparison the long union with Denmark will appear,” Danish MEP Anders Vistisen told Brussels Signal on April 28.
The recent election results ended months of political uncertainty. The new coalition brings together parties that, while supporting greater autonomy for Greenland, favour pragmatic co-operation with Denmark rather than accelerating independence efforts. According to Nielsen, the new government intended to focus on joint economic development and political stability within Denmark.
Greenland, an autonomous territory since 1979, manages its own domestic affairs but Denmark has remained responsible for its defence and foreign relations and provides substantial financial support.
The relationship has historically been complex. While many Greenlanders cherished their distinct identity and aspired to eventual full independence, economic – and today, geopolitical – realities have kept the island closely tied to Copenhagen.
“Recent events have pushed the people of Greenland to see the mutual benefit of the political relationship with Denmark,” Vistisen said.
The situation between Greenland and the US deteriorated notably after Trump said he wanted to purchase and later to take full control of the island – refusing to rule out using military force – proposals that were rejected by both Greenlandic and Danish officials.
Nielsen recently reiterated that Greenland “is not a piece of property for sale,” criticising what he described as the “disrespectful” attitude of the US administrations towards the island.
Vistisen argued that Washington’s approach has had the opposite effect to what it intended. “The aggressive advances of the loud man with funny hair and a red tie will push the people of Greenland close” to Denmark he said.
Greenland’s strategic value has continued to grow due to its rare earth mineral resources and its position near the Arctic region, where geopolitical competition has increased.
Although the US maintains a military presence at Thule Air Base under agreements with Denmark, Greenlandic leaders have shown growing scepticism towards Washington’s attitude regarding the region.
The Greenlandic government was expected to prioritise co-operation with Denmark on the development of natural resources, infrastructure, and environmental initiatives too, according to German broadcaster DW on April 27.
