EU Commissioner Dan Jørgensen Visits Greenland to Discuss Increased Funding
Last week, EU Commissioner Dan Jørgensen embarked on a significant visit to Greenland to engage in discussions surrounding the partnership agreement for overseas countries and territories. Central to this dialogue was the EU Commission’s proposal to allocate a remarkable DKK 4 billion to Greenland for the period spanning from 2028 to 2034—an amount that stands in stark contrast to the DKK 2 billion designated for the previous period of 2021 to 2027.
Jørgensen’s itinerary included meetings with key figures, including Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the chairman of Naalakkersuisut, and Aviaaja Karlshøj Knudsen, director of NunaGreen. His visit also took him to the hydroelectric plant in Buksefjorden, operated by Nukissiorfiit, where he explored the region’s energy capabilities. Additionally, he met with Naaja H. Nathanielsen, the Minister for Business, and Rasmus Leander Nielsen, manager of the Nasiffik center. Unfortunately, plans to visit the GreenRoc mining project on Amitsoq Island were thwarted by inclement weather.
Shifting Focus: From Education to Green Energy
Traditionally, the EU funds have primarily supported Greenland’s education sector. However, as reflected in Jørgensen’s agenda, an evolving priority is the enhancement of green energy and the extraction of raw materials.
Jørgensen emphasized the significance of Greenland’s autonomy in deciding how to allocate these funds: “In terms of specific objectives and projects, it is largely up to Greenland. Yet, our discussions here are crucial for determining where the funds can be most effectively utilized. How can we leverage one euro to attract five euros in private investment? There’s clearly a heightened interest in rare minerals within the EU, alongside a corresponding focus on green transitions.”
Upcoming Greenland Week in Brussels
Looking ahead, the EU is set to host Greenland Week in Brussels this November, inviting officials and businesses from Greenland as well as potential investors. Jørgensen views this event as a pivotal opportunity to translate discussions into tangible projects.
“The sentiment among business leaders, politicians, and experts is one of urgency to shift from dialogue to actionable plans,” Jørgensen noted. “The timing is right, which is why the EU has doubled its financial commitment for the coming years.”
In a landscape rife with potential, this visit marks a critical step in fostering a fruitful partnership between the EU and Greenland, aimed at unlocking new opportunities for sustainable development and investment.