Denmark has increasingly positioned itself as a passive participant within the Commonwealth, a sentiment expressed by Aaja Chemnitz, a member of parliament for the Inuit Ataqatigiit party, in a recent opinion piece in Altinget.
However, there has been a notable resurgence of interest in Greenland from the Danish government over the past year, marked by significant investments aimed at bolstering Greenlandic society. A pivotal moment came in September when Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the chairman of Naalakkersuisut, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen signed a historic framework agreement committing DKK 1.6 billion to initiatives in Greenland through 2029.
Since being elected last April, Nielsen and Frederiksen have consistently underscored their mutual desire for greater cooperation, particularly in light of recent American interest in acquiring Greenland. Yet, as Chemnitz reflects on the past year, she notes that securing Danish government investment in Greenland was no easy feat.
“A significant number of us are advocating for equality in the relationship between Greenland and Denmark,” she stated in an interview with KNR. “This involves mutual respect and the courage to hold each other accountable. We must ask ourselves whether we have equal access to education and healthcare.”
### A Call for Greater Danish Initiative
Chemnitz argues that Denmark’s passive stance is largely tied to the ongoing discussions regarding Greenland’s independence.
“The more independence is discussed in Greenland, the more hesitant Denmark has become to engage fully with our concerns,” she remarked. “We’ve entered a phase of indifference, waiting for Greenland to express what it wants. It’s crucial that Denmark takes a more proactive role in fostering a closer and more equitable partnership, demanding accountability from both sides.”
Today, Chemnitz insists, the disparities in healthcare and overall living conditions between Greenland and Denmark remain glaring.
Last October, Anna Wangenheim, Greenland’s Minister of Health, and Sophie Løhde, her Danish counterpart, signed a declaration ensuring Greenlandic patients would have simpler access to specialized treatments in Denmark this year. Earlier this month, Finance Minister Múte B. Egede and Danish Finance Minister Nicolai Wammen inked an agreement that Denmark would cover the basic healthcare expenses for Greenlandic patients in the country. Since 1992, Greenland has handled its own health sector affairs.
Yet, Chemnitz believes the Greenlandic healthcare system still requires substantial enhancement. “Being Danish in the Commonwealth can often feel more advantageous than being Greenlandic,” she argues. “The cost of living in Greenland is high and varies significantly based on one’s location.”
### Looking Beyond Healthcare
When asked about other areas where Denmark’s engagement appears lacking, Chemnitz pointed to education as a pressing issue.
“There’s a significant gap in understanding; Greenlanders are well-versed in Danish affairs, yet many Danes lack knowledge about Greenland,” she said. “It’s time Denmark begins incorporating Greenland’s history and contemporary issues into its education system.”
She also emphasized the need for closer ties in business development, advocating for ongoing collaboration with a focus on education and healthcare.
While appreciating Denmark’s newfound restraint, Chemnitz cautioned against complacency. “It’s a step forward, but there are unresolved issues, such as reconciliation regarding historical injustices like illegal adoptions and the IUD case,” she explained. “Reconciliation is broader than just these cases; it’s about developing a shared narrative that reflects both Danish and Greenlandic perspectives.”
Consequently, Chemnitz urges the Danish government to commit itself more firmly to the northernmost part of the Commonwealth.
“It’s vital that Denmark engages actively, not only when external pressures arise, such as from the U.S., but out of a genuine desire to be part of a Commonwealth that values and supports one another,” she concluded.