Denmark to grant Greenland and Faroe Islands more foreign policy autonomy
The Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, announced measures to increase Greenland's and the Faroe Islands' freedom in foreign policy. Earlier, she held talks with the authorities of these territories, which are dependent on Copenhagen. Donald Trump repeatedly stated that the U.S. must take over Greenland.
The Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, declared that Denmark is working on expanding the autonomy of Greenland and the Faroe Islands in foreign policy. She conveyed this information after discussions with the authorities of these territories, which rely on Copenhagen.
During the meeting in Copenhagen, which was attended by the Premiers of Greenland and the Faroe Islands, Mute Egede and Aksel V. Johannesen, Frederiksen emphasized that the goal is "an even more equal cooperation" between Denmark and its autonomous territories.
The Premier of Greenland, Mute Egede, expressed the need for greater independence in international negotiations.
Greenlanders don't want to be either Danes or Americans
"We wish to have our own voice," stated Egede. He also referred to Donald Trump's remarks suggesting that the U.S. should take over Greenland.
We don’t want to be Danes. We don’t want to be Americans. We want to be Greenlanders, stressed Egede, adding that the desire for Greenland's independence is not new.
Changes in foreign policy
Frederiksen maintained her stance that the decision about Greenland's independence belongs to its residents. So far, Denmark has been responsible for the foreign policy and security of Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
The first step towards change is the Copenhagen government's consent for the Faroe Islands' membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO). The Faroese are keen on developing foreign trade, especially in the context of fishing.
Greenland and the Faroe Islands also aim for greater influence on the activities of the Arctic Council and the Nordic Council, in which Denmark is a member.
American interest in Greenland
Donald Trump repeatedly emphasized that the United States needs Greenland for national security reasons. He indicated that he does not rule out the use of force to achieve this goal.
Keith Kellogg, the prospective U.S. special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, reminded that the issue of Greenland belonging to the U.S. is not new.
Many people forget that President Andrew Johnson tried to buy Greenland, and President Harry Truman offered 100 million dollars for the island, said Kellogg.
Greenland attracts attention due to its mineral resources, which, in light of climate change and warming, may affect the global dimension of politics. According to observers, threats to seize the island seem to endanger Euro-Atlantic stability.
