Twenty-five of the 34 minerals present in Greenland have been recognized as “vital uncooked supplies” in a European Commission research in 2023.
Greenland desires a stronger EU presence on the territory vital uncooked supplies wanted to construct new clear power applied sciences corresponding to photo voltaic panels and batteries, Aaja Chemnitz, a member of the Danish parliament from Greenland’s left-wing separatist Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) occasion, informed Euronews.
“We (IA) wish to see the EU way more engaged in terms of uncommon earths. We know that 73% of every part the EU wants in terms of uncommon earths might be present in Greenland, and on this At the second we’ve got roughly a Chinese monopoly in terms of uncommon earths,” he underlined, seeing a possibility for the EU to speculate on this sector.
In current years, the EU has pushed for higher cooperation with the island on power and uncommon earthsand Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited the island final March to open an EU workplace in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital.
However, Chemnitz believes that the EU and Denmark haven’t paid sufficient consideration to the Greenlanders, however now have a window of alternative to strengthen relations with the island in a “extra real looking method”, together with in protection and safety issues.
Greenland’s largest occasion, IA, is at the moment “involved” concerning the safety scenario within the Arctic after US President-elect Donald Trump’s choice declare madeto the most important island on the planet and given Russia’s nationwide curiosity within the area, the deputy underlined.
“I feel discovering a option to cooperate with a brand new ally shouldn’t be threatening them,” Chemnitz stated, referring to Trump’s refusal to rule out army intervention to take over Greenland.
Chemnitz, who chairs the Greenland fee within the Danish parliament, argued that given the strategic pursuits of highly effective actors such because the US, the EU, Russia or China, it will likely be essential for his territory to search out out with which international locations and areas the Greenland can cooperate. with sooner or later.
“I perceive that after all Denmark, the European Union, but in addition the United States is somebody we are able to cooperate with, however I feel it must be very particular (cooperation), particularly with the United States,” the Greenlandic MP burdened, citing points vital points corresponding to uncooked supplies, tourism, schooling and defence.
Sea lanes round Greenland, a self-governing territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, provide the shortest route from North America to Europe, and the US president-elect desires a strategic benefit for his army and early warning system on ballistic missiles.
The United States has demonstrated a need to broaden its army presence in Greenland by putting radars within the waters between Greenland, Iceland and the United Kingdom, however safety and international affairs are nonetheless managed from Copenhagen.
Greenland’s independence from Denmark is a ‘long-term objective’
Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede stated earlier this week that his authorities was able to work extra intently with the United States on protection and mining, however on its phrases.
“We do not wish to be Danish, we do not wish to be American – after all we wish to be Greenlandic,” Egede stated at a information convention in Copenhagen on Friday.
Egede, who has led the Inuit Ataqatigiit occasion since 2018, made clear that it will likely be as much as the almost 57,000 Greenlanders to resolve on their very own future and agreements, and that remaining a part of the Kingdom of Denmark shouldn’t be an possibility.
Since 2009, Greenland has had the precise to declare independence via a referendum, and Egede had beforehand hinted {that a} potential referendum might happen throughout Greenland’s new political time period – however for Chemnitz, his occasion colleague, it’s extra of a “long run” objective”.
“I do not see that taking place as a result of I do not see the plan and I do not suppose there’s a shortcut to independence, though it’s the greatest need and dream for many people in Greenland,” he stated. he stated.
ANNOUNCEMENTFor now, Greenlandic sees the necessity to diversify and strengthen Greenland’s cooperation with different world gamers and to deal with parliamentary elections subsequent spring.
“The authorities of Denmark has performed a superb job of recognizing that each choice about the way forward for Greenland is as much as the Greenlandic folks,” Chemnitz stated, including that “you will need to say ‘arms off’ in terms of Denmark, but in addition the EU, but in addition USA, Russia, China and so forth in view of the elections”.
