The European Union has announced a major €200 million Global Gateway Partnership Package for Greenland, marking a significant step in strengthening political, economic, and strategic cooperation across the Arctic. The announcement was made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during her official visit to Nuuk, where she also signed a renewed Joint Declaration alongside Greenland’s Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
The new agreement reinforces the long-standing partnership between the EU, Greenland, and Denmark while laying the foundation for greater collaboration in areas such as digital infrastructure, renewable energy, sustainable mining, education, fisheries, tourism, housing, and security.
A Renewed EU–Greenland Partnership
During the visit, President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized Greenland’s growing strategic importance for Europe and reaffirmed the EU’s long-term commitment to the Arctic region.
“Greenland can count on the EU. That was my message during my last visit. Today, I am back to deliver the real results of our close cooperation. With a new EU-Greenland Partnership package, worth €200 million. This will create new opportunities and a strong and engaged EU in both Greenland and the Arctic. Because Greenland is a strategic ally and a trusted friend.”
— Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
The newly signed Joint Declaration updates the previous 2015 agreement and expands cooperation based on shared values and mutual interests. The partnership now extends beyond traditional sectors such as education and fisheries to include:
- Infrastructure development
- Digital connectivity
- Sustainable critical raw materials
- Renewable energy
- Housing
- Sustainable tourism
- Research and innovation
- Climate action
- Civil protection
- Security and resilience
- Environmental cooperation
The declaration also strengthens political dialogue, investment cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges between the EU and Greenland.
€200 Million Global Gateway Investment Package
As part of the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, the €200 million investment package aims to create sustainable economic opportunities while supporting a prosperous and peaceful Arctic region.
Strengthening Digital Connectivity
One of the flagship initiatives is the Enhanced Satellite Connectivity Project, developed in partnership with Greenland’s telecommunications provider Tusass.
The project will:
- Expand satellite connectivity across Greenland over the next five years using European satellite providers.
- Improve internet reliability, speed, and resilience for remote communities.
- Enhance connectivity for schools, businesses, and public services.
- Build upon existing EU investments that have already improved digital connectivity along Greenland’s west coast.
Additionally, the EU is funding feasibility studies to assess whether Greenland could become a future hub for data centers, supported by growing renewable energy capacity and improved digital infrastructure.
Supporting Sustainable Raw Materials
Greenland possesses significant reserves of critical minerals essential for Europe’s green and digital transitions.
To strengthen resilient supply chains, the EU and Greenland will:
- Support sustainable mining projects connected to European industries.
- Provide technical expertise and investor matchmaking.
- Strengthen integrated Greenland–EU value chains.
The partnership builds on existing investments, including the Malmbjerg mining project.
Another key initiative is the GreenRoc Amitsoq Graphite Project, which has been recognized as an EU Strategic Project under the Critical Raw Materials Act, highlighting its importance in securing Europe’s future supply of critical minerals.
Accelerating the Green Energy Transition
Renewable energy remains another major focus of the partnership.
The EU will support Greenland’s national energy company, Nukissiorfiit, in modernizing electricity supply across remote settlements through hybrid renewable energy systems.
These investments aim to:
- Improve energy reliability
- Increase renewable energy usage
- Reduce carbon emissions
- Strengthen energy resilience across Greenland
The EU is also exploring support for expanding the Buksefjord Hydropower Plant, Greenland’s primary hydropower facility, to meet growing electricity demand in Nuuk.
Building Institutional Capacity
To ensure the successful implementation of future programs, the EU will help establish a Program Management Unit within the Government of Greenland.
This initiative is designed to strengthen institutional capacity and improve the management of EU-supported projects and policy priorities.
Investing in Jobs, Housing, and Tourism
The remaining funding will support preparations for additional projects in two priority sectors:
Sustainable Tourism
Tourism has been identified as one of Greenland’s strongest opportunities for:
- Economic diversification
- Private sector development
- Local employment
- Sustainable regional growth
Housing Development
The partnership also prioritizes improving Greenland’s aging housing stock to:
- Enhance living conditions
- Improve public health
- Support long-term sustainable economic growth
Long-Term EU Support for Greenland
Greenland remains the largest recipient of EU support per capita among the overseas countries and territories.
Between 2021 and 2027, the EU allocated €225 million, with:
- 90% dedicated to education
- 10% supporting green growth initiatives
Looking ahead, the European Commission has proposed increasing funding to €530 million for the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework, more than doubling current financial support.
Continued Cooperation Through Fisheries and EU Programs
The partnership is further strengthened through the EU–Greenland Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement, under which the EU provides €17.3 million annually, including €3.2 million specifically to support Greenland’s national strategy for sustainable fisheries.
Beyond direct funding, Greenland also remains eligible to participate in several major EU programs, including:
- Horizon Europe
- Connecting Europe Facility
- Erasmus+
- Creative Europe
- Invest in EU
Strengthening Europe’s Arctic Presence
The renewed partnership reflects the EU’s broader ambition to deepen its presence in the Arctic while promoting sustainable development, resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, secure critical mineral supply chains, and stronger economic opportunities for Greenland’s communities.
With a new €200 million investment package and an expanded political partnership, the EU and Greenland are entering a new phase of cooperation focused on long-term growth, sustainability, and regional stability.
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