Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen will visit Greenland from Wednesday to Friday next week (April 2–4), in what is widely seen as a move to reinforce ties within the Rigsfællesskabet—the Kingdom of Denmark—and send a strategic message to the United States amid growing geopolitical friction.
The visit comes shortly after the formation of a new, broad coalition government in Greenland, led by Jens-Frederik Nielsen, head of the party Demokraatit. Frederiksen is scheduled to meet both Nielsen and the incoming Naalakkersuisut (Greenlandic government) in the capital, Nuuk, where she aims to discuss the future of cooperation between Denmark and Greenland.
“This visit is about strengthening the unity between Denmark and Greenland,” Frederiksen stated in a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office.
“I have the deepest respect for how the people and politicians of Greenland are handling the significant pressure they’re under. This situation calls for solidarity across party lines, across the countries within the Realm, and for collaboration based on respect and equality.”
Responding to USA criticisms and military interests in the Arctic
Frederiksen’s trip follows recent controversial remarks by USA Vice President J.D. Vance, who visited the American military base at Pituffik (Thule Air Base) just days ago. During his visit, Vance criticized Denmark’s stewardship of Greenland, saying, “Our message to Denmark is very simple: you have not done a good job for the people of Greenland.”
The comments triggered a firm rebuke from Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, who responded, “This is not how you speak to close allies.”
Vance’s remarks reignited longstanding tensions over Greenland’s strategic value, particularly as Arctic security becomes a higher priority for Washington. Former US President Donald Trump famously suggested buying Greenland in 2019, a proposal Denmark dismissed outright.
In recent months, American aircraft and military delegations have made repeated visits to Greenland, raising concerns in Copenhagen and Nuuk about US attempts to gain greater influence in the autonomous territory.
A calculated move after the Greenlandic elections
Observers note the timing of Frederiksen’s visit—after, not during, Greenland’s recent elections—as diplomatically significant. Greenlandic MP Aaja Chemnitz (IA) praised the move, noting that unlike American visits, Frederiksen “respected the democratic process by waiting until after the election.”
Political analyst Jens Ringberg of DR News described the trip as a “strong signal” both to Greenlanders and to Washington:
“It shows Denmark and Greenland standing together, and it creates an opportunity for both governments to communicate that the development of the Realm will not involve becoming part of the United States.”
Anna Wangenheim, deputy leader of Demokraatit and the incoming Minister for Health and Disabilities in the Greenlandic Government, echoed this sentiment.
“It was about time. We haven’t seen her take the initiative to come here in recent years. It’s a positive step.”
Unity within the Kingdom of Denmark in a shifting global landscape
Frederiksen’s visit highlights the delicate balance Denmark seeks to maintain: preserving strong transatlantic ties while asserting its responsibility and partnership within the Kingdom of Denmark—especially with Greenland, whose autonomy continues to expand.
Greenland’s strategic location, resource potential, and growing interest in independence make it a key player in Arctic geopolitics. For Denmark, this visit is more than diplomatic courtesy; it is a statement of commitment at a time when the Arctic is becoming a contested space between global powers.
As tensions mount and Greenland’s role on the world stage intensifies, the outcome of Frederiksen’s visit may prove crucial in shaping the next chapter of Danish-Greenlandic—and transatlantic—relations.
