Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen embarks on a European diplomatic mission to strengthen the country’s presence in the Arctic region, amidst growing concerns about security and defense.
Denmark‘s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has begun a tour of major European capitals, including ‘Berlin, Paris, and Brussels‘ , as her country takes steps to boost its military presence around Greenland.
The trip comes amidst growing concerns about security and defense in the region.
Frederiksen’s government announced on Monday evening that it had reached a 14.6 billion-kroner (nearly $2 billion) agreement with parties including the governments of ‘Greenland’ and the Faeroe Islands to improve capabilities for surveillance and maintaining sovereignty in the region.
The agreement includes the purchase of three new Arctic naval vessels, two additional long-range surveillance drones, and satellite capacity.
Addressing Uncertainty and Cooperation
Arctic naval vessels are specially designed to navigate the harsh, icy waters of the Arctic Ocean.
These ships are equipped with reinforced hulls and ice-strengthened propellers to withstand the extreme conditions.
The Russian Navy operates a fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers, while the US Coast Guard uses non-nuclear icebreakers for search and rescue operations.
The Canadian Coast Guard also employs ice-class vessels to support Arctic research and surveillance.
The Danish leader’s comments during her meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hinted at the uncertainty surrounding ‘Greenland’s status’ .
Frederiksen stated that ‘we are facing a more uncertain reality, a reality that calls for an even more united Europe and for more cooperation.’
She pointed to Russian activities in Ukraine and beyond, emphasizing the need for Europe to take responsibility for its own security.
Strengthening Deterrence and Defense
The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe.
The EU was established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1993 and has its headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
It aims to promote economic growth, stability, and peace among its member states through policies on trade, immigration, and security.
The EU is a significant player in global affairs, with a single market of over 500 million people and a GDP of over $18 trillion.
The Danish Defense Ministry announced plans to negotiate a second agreement with the parties involved, focusing on strengthening deterrence and defense in the region.
According to Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen , ‘we must face the fact that there are serious challenges regarding security and defense in the Arctic and North Atlantic.’
He emphasized the need for Denmark to strengthen its presence in the region.
Supporting Local Jobs and Businesses
The Arctic region is covering about 5.4 million square miles, a vast and remote area surrounding the North Pole.
The Arctic Circle, located at 66°30’N latitude, marks the boundary between the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions.
The Arctic is home to eight countries: Canada, Denmark (Greenland), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States.
The region's harsh climate, with long winters and short summers, supports a unique ecosystem of polar bears, reindeer, and arctic foxes.
The agreement also prioritizes ensuring that investments provide support for local jobs and businesses in Greenland and the Faeroe Islands.
Vivian Motzfeldt, Greenland’s minister of statehood and foreign affairs, expressed satisfaction with the steps taken towards increased security in and around Greenland.
Greenland’s government has consistently maintained that the territory is not for sale but is open to cooperation.
The Danish Defense Ministry statement did not mention U.S. President Donald Trump‘s ambitions regarding Greenland.
