Susanna Riva The Arctic is becoming a key geopolitical battleground, with the European Union strengthening its presence in the region. With a €200 million investment in Greenland, the EU aims to counter threats from Russia and the ambitions of US President Donald Trump.
The Rovaniemi Summit and the Joint Declaration
Twelve European countries, including Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden, and Greece, have called on the European Union to take a more strategic and proactive role in the European Arctic. This call was formalized during a summit held in Rovaniemi, Finland, on September 13 and 14. The joint statement emphasizes the importance of a stronger European presence in the region, in response to growing geopolitical tensions.
EU investment in Greenland
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced a €200 million financial package for Greenland over the next two years. This investment aims to strengthen economic ties and exploit the region's raw materials. Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, has long been targeted by US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly expressed his desire to annex the island.
The words of Ursula von der Leyen
During an official visit to Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, von der Leyen said: "We know that the Arctic has become one of the places where geopolitical tectonic plates collide, so we have a direct interest in what happens here." The president reiterated the EU's support for Greenland and Denmark, stressing the importance of the region's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The EU's plan for the Arctic and Greenland
The €200 million investment package will be distributed across three main areas: digital connectivity, clean energy, and sustainable extraction of critical raw materials. Greenland is home to 25 of the 34 minerals considered crucial by Brussels for the development of renewable energy and advanced technologies. However, mining activity on the island is still limited due to the harsh glacial conditions.
NATO exercises and the new EU strategy
Meanwhile, the European Commission is working on updating its Arctic strategy. Over the next two weeks, soldiers from ten countries will participate in NATO's Arctic Shield exercise. Furthermore, the Rovaniemi Summit brought together several European leaders to define a new strategy based on peace, economic development, and cooperation with local populations.
The Arctic has become a priority for Europe, which sees the region as a treasure trove of rare earths and a potential location for future data centers. With a €530 million investment earmarked for Greenland in the next EU budget, Europe is taking concrete steps to strengthen its presence in the region.