During an official meeting at Marienborg, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s newly elected Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen reaffirmed their commitment to a stronger and modernized Rigsfællesskab (Realm Community / Commonwealth). Frederiksen emphasized the need for ongoing modernization, stating:
“I will do everything I can as Danish Prime Minister to ensure that we have a strong and modern Commonwealth, in which all three parts can see themselves.”
The initiative to modernize relations comes at a time when external geopolitical tensions are increasing. Frederiksen underlined the importance of unity: “We stand together when strong forces do not wish us well.”
New framework for Greenland’s self-governance
A significant part of the modernization plan involves discussing Greenland’s potential to “hjemtage” (repatriate) certain political areas while Denmark continues to cover some or all of the associated costs. This proposal, initially floated by Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen in March, would require amending the existing Self-Government Act (Selvstyreloven) of 2009.
Under the current law, any area Greenland repatriates must also be financially supported by the Greenlandic authorities. However, Løkke Rasmussen pointed out that the original expectations of a resource-driven economic boom have not materialized. As a result, he advocates for a system where financial responsibilities can be more flexibly shared.
“The Danish taxpayers would not be worse off if we said, for example, that when tasks are taken home, the money — or some of it — follows,” Løkke argued.
Greenland’s aspirations for self-development
Prime Minister Nielsen stressed Greenland’s determination for self-development: “We want to develop ourselves. Right now, we are in a construction where we must build the foundation together.” He firmly rejected the narrative that Greenland is merely an “additional expense” for Denmark.
Nielsen also made it clear that Greenland is not for sale, stating:
“We are ready for strong cooperation with the United States, but we need mutual respect.”
The Danish government reiterated its readiness to invest in Greenland, not just for historical reasons, but because of their shared future within the Realm Community.
Next steps: strengthening cooperation
Following their discussions, Nielsen will have an audience with King Frederik and then travel back to Greenland together with Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen. Their meetings and planned initiatives mark a renewed effort to fortify the relationship between Greenland and Denmark amidst growing international interest in the Arctic region.
The modernized framework will aim to offer Greenland greater autonomy while reinforcing unity and resilience within the Realm Community. The first tangible steps in revising the Self-Government Act are expected to be developed collaboratively over the coming months.
