Statement by Barry Andrews MEP
Chair of the Development Committee, European Parliament
Speaking in Brussels after being appointed ‘rapporteur’ for the Parliament’s position on EU-Greenland relations, Barry Andrews MEP has stated:
“Given the increasing threats of President Trump to Greenland, we must deepen our relations with the island and make clear that we want them to remain politically part of Europe.
“The Commission has proposed an updated association agreement for EU-Greenland relations, as part of the next EU long term budget (2028-34) and I will be the author of Parliament’s position in response. On behalf of the Parliament, I will be pushing for a deeper relationship with Greenland based on our strategic interests.
“We have of course already strong fishing relations with Greenland, but also on renewable energy and critical raw materials. Most of the critical raw materials strategically important to Europe can be found in Greenland.
“Greenland also is part of EU funding programmes for research, development and Erasmus. In the last long term EU budget, the EU support totalled over EUR220m. The Commission has proposed to double this funding to Greenland.
“Of course, the future of Greenland will be decided by Denmark and the Greenlanders but given the current geopolitical situation, I will be pushing for an increased level of EU funding to Greenland in line with both our strategic interests.”
ENDS