Denmark News Summary for Wednesday:
Denmark Stands Firm Against US Interest in GreenlandStraight Up Chat
Greenlanders overwhelmingly oppose becoming part of the United States, with 85% expressing their disapproval in a poll. Only 6% support the idea, while 9% remain undecided. This survey comes as President Trump shows increased interest in acquiring the territory.
Trump has claimed that Greenlanders "want to be with" the US, but the Danish government is taking steps to counter this narrative. They are working to garner Nordic and European support against any plans to take over Greenland, emphasizing respect for the territory's sovereignty and internal structure within the Kingdom of Denmark.
The poll, conducted between January 22nd and 26th, gathered responses from 497 representative Greenlandic residents aged 18 and over, a significant portion of the territory's population of approximately 55,000.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen confirmed yesterday that she sees no military threat to Greenland or Denmark, despite Trump's threats. She met with European leaders to gather support and emphasize unity following Trump's claims.
Meanwhile, Denmark has stepped up to help neighboring Ireland, sending power generators following storm Eowyn. The storm caused widespread power outages, school closures, and flight cancellations. Brussels also sent generators from Poland, and more will arrive from Denmark in the coming days.
The EU, Denmark, and Britain are currently embroiled in a fishing dispute, with Brussels accusing the UK of inconsistencies over a key post-Brexit trade deal. The arbitration battle over sandeel fishing rights in the North Sea began this week at the Permanent Court for Arbitration in The Hague. The EU is backing Denmark in this dispute, with sandeel catches accounting for a significant portion of Denmark’s fishing revenue.
(Enrichment: Denmark and Greenland maintain a strong connection and are moving towards gradual independence and greater autonomy. The Danish government emphasizes self-rule for Greenland, cooperation in Arctic governance, and investment in Greenlandic society. Greenland's leadership has also rejected any proposition of selling the territory to the US.)
- In response to President Trump's interest in Greenland, the Danish government is using policy-and-legislation and negotiations with Nordic and European countries to maintain Greenland's sovereignty, countering any potential plans for takeover.
- While Trump claims Greenlanders wish to join the US, the general-news poll reveals a stark contrast, with 85% of Greenlandic residents opposing the idea, and Denmark taking a firm stance against any annexation.
- Meanwhile, in a separate matter, Denmark's policy-and-legislation has led them to extend a helping hand to Ireland, sending power generators after storm Eowyn, demonstrating their commitment to regional support beyond Greenland issues.
