Despite frequent talk of “strategic autonomy,” the European Union has struggled to translate its ambitions into action in Greenland. Although the island remains formally linked to Denmark, Brussels has moved slowly, constrained by internal divisions. Environmental restrictions, regulatory delays, and political caution have limited European engagement in mining, infrastructure, and security projects.
As a result, Europe risks watching from the sidelines as the United States secures long-term access to Greenland’s resources and strengthens its Arctic position. In a fast-moving strategic environment, the EU has often responded with procedures and debate rather than concrete commitments. Many of Greenland’s resources are precisely those Europe says it needs for its own industrial and technological base. Yet instead of developing them with a clear long-term approach, European decision-making has been slowed by political constraints.
For now, European countries appear only modestly committed to Greenland’s defense, and Denmark—despite public statements of support from some leaders—has so far deferred to U.S. leadership on Arctic security. The issue is no longer whether Greenland matters, but how different actors choose to engage with its future.