EU boosts defense investments to protect Greenland's integrity
During her visit to Denmark, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her support for Greenland's integrity and announced an increase in investments in European defense.
During her visit to Copenhagen, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, expressed her support for Greenland's integrity and emphasized that Europe would always protect this area's independence.
During a speech at the Royal Danish Military Academy, the EC President addressed the people of Greenland and Denmark and reaffirmed Europe's commitment to defending independence and territorial integrity.
Investments in Europe's defense as a guarantee of Greenland's security
In her address, von der Leyen also focused on increasing investments in European defense. "If Europe wants to avoid war, it must prepare for it," she said to the cadets, emphasizing that the "peace dividend" era is over. Following Denmark's example of establishing a special fund worth $7.1 billion for arms purchases, she urged EU countries to accelerate military investments.
Von der Leyen highlighted the importance of increasing funds and spending them effectively. "We need to buy more European (weapons) because it strengthens the foundation of European defense technology and industry," she appealed.
During her visit to Copenhagen, von der Leyen met with Denmark's Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen. Denmark will take over the European Council presidency from Poland on July 1st. The EC President's visit was to discuss future actions in defense and European cooperation.
The EC President's words about Greenland's integrity and security are related to Donald Trump's recent remarks. The U.S. President announced intentions to annex Greenland to the USA with NATO's help. Greenland's Prime Minister, Mutte B. Egede, expressed outrage, emphasizing that the island is not for sale and that its residents will decide their own future.
The Democrats won the parliamentary elections in Greenland. The party advocates for the island's independence, but only after achieving economic independence. Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the party leader, considered Trump's remarks inappropriate.
Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, has hosted a U.S. military base since 1951. Pituffik Space Base, commonly known by its former name, Thule Air Base, is located in the northwestern part of the island, near Qaanaaq, about 745 miles north of the Arctic Circle.
