The Denmark announced a significant increase in defense spending Greenland. The decision comes a few hours after the statement by the president-elect of the United States, Donald Trumpwhich he called “an absolute necessity” for USA control of Greenland… after another declaration of wanting to regain control of the canal Panama.
The Minister of Defense DanishTroels Lund Poulsenannounced that military spending to protect Greenland will be just under two billion euros to implement:
- Two new inspection vessels.
- Two long-range drones.
- Two dog sled teams, a traditional but still effective solution for Arctic patrolling.
- Increase in staffing at Arctic Command a Nuuk.
- Modernization of airports, making at least one of the main Greenlandic airports compatible with the latest generation fighters F-35.
Greenland is a key territory from a strategic point of view, being on the shortest route between Europa e Nord America. Furthermore, it hosts a large US space base and boasts significant mineral reserves and petroliumwhich increase its economic and political interest.
Trump's statements, which reiterated his desire to buy the island, have reignited a debate that had already emerged in 2019, when the proposal was rejected by the Danish prime minister, Mette Frederiksencalling it “absurd.” Again, Greenland's prime minister, Mute Egede, responded clearly: “We are not for sale.”
Despite the refusal, Egede highlighted the importance of keeping cooperation and trade channels open, especially with the United States, which represents a strategic partner.
According to some analysts, the Danish plan is not a direct reaction to Trump's statements, but the result of long-term planning. However, the American president's recent utterances may have put indirect pressure on Copenhagen to accelerate investment in Greenland.
The geopolitical dynamics in the Arctic region are further complicated by the interest of other powers, such as China e Russia. Denmark's failure to protect the waters around Greenland could increase US calls for greater control over the region.
In 2019, Trump's purchase proposal led to diplomatic tensions with Denmark, culminating in the cancellation of a state visit by the US president. Now, with the 2024 declarations, the topic appears to be back in the spotlight, reinforcing global attention on the Arctic region.
The massive investment in defense and military infrastructure is an important step to ensure Danish sovereignty over the territory, but also to address the growing challenges posed by China and Russia, as well as the United States itself.
A quick summary about Greenland
It is a territory belonging to the Kingdom of Denmark, which also includes mainland Denmark and the Islands Faroe Islands. Greenland was a Crown colony Norwegian until 1814when it came under the control of Denmark; In the 1953 it became part of the Danish kingdom through the formula of personal union. In the 1979 the island was granted self-government by Parliament (il Parliament Danish) through a law passed in 1978.
However, the ruler of Denmark remains the head of state of Greenland. He was part of the European Economic Communityas Danish territory, from 1973 until 1985when he decided to leave as a result of the referendum from 1982.
Following the 2008 referendum, responsibilities in the legislative, judicial and natural resource management fields were transferred to the local government. The referendum, although subject to criticism and not binding on the Danish Parliament, was recognized by the latter and its application became effective on 21 June 2009constituting an important step towards independence. Denmark still retains control over finances, foreign policy and military defense and provides an annual subsidy. [fonte Wikipedia]
