The Geopolitical Landscape Shifts
The world is experiencing a seismic shift away from the established norms that underscored the post-Cold War order, especially with Donald Trump's audacious ambitions. From Venezuela to Greenland, this trend is underscored by his troubling geopolitical maneuvering, threatening the delicate balance of power.
As we enter this unpredictable landscape, it becomes imperative for Europe, a continent traditionally grounded in diplomacy and cooperation, to reassess its position. Its core identity, one that looms large with ideals of a rules-based order and international law, now necessitates a transformation into a more assertive geopolitical player, particularly in the Arctic.
The Arctic: A New Arena for Competition
Once considered a sanctuary of peace, the Arctic is now the center of burgeoning geopolitical competition, marked by expanding US influence and a reinvigorated Russian presence. China's rising clout adds another layer of complexity. For Europeans, this is not unprecedented; the EU has long maintained a presence in the region through Nordic nations, yet its strategic security discourse has largely neglected the circum-Arctic dynamics.
“Trump's renewed interest in Greenland may change this picture.”
The Silence from European Leaders
On January 6, 2026, a consortium of European nations released a statement emphasizing their commitment to Greenland, but the EU's response has largely been muted. Prominent leaders remain noncommittal, stuck in a loop of reactive statements rather than proactive measures. Ursula von der Leyen's State of the Union address notably omitted any mention of Greenland or broader Arctic strategies, signaling a disconnect.
Reimagining European Engagement
As the EU begins revising its Arctic policies, the crux of the matter lies in redefining what northern Europe entails for the Union. The time is ripe for a fresh strategic vision that reinvigorates Europe's commitment to the Arctic, expanding its framework beyond mere jurisdictional authority to concrete political proposals.
The EU should actively consider extending membership to Greenland and other peripheral regions like the Faroe Islands and Iceland. After all, Greenland's exit from the European Community in 1985 doesn't negate the potential for future cooperation. A phased approach — proposing EU membership by 2026, investment incentives, and a robust framework for sustainable developments — can pave the way forward.
A Call for Collaboration, Not Domination
As Trump's politics make headlines, Europe has an opportunity to transform rhetoric into action. Offering Greenland EU membership would serve as a monumental step towards reestablishing political influence in the Arctic, ensuring that this vital region avoids falling under unilateral control. Instead, it's about fostering a spirit of collaboration, bringing together EU and non-EU nations as equal participants in shaping a sustainable Arctic agenda.
Greenland now represents a focal point in this evolving narrative, and as discussions increasingly orbit around acquisition, the EU's voice must become audible. What might have seemed an unattainable proposal 40 years ago could become a visionary reality, aligning with the aspirations of Inuit culture, sustainability, and economic stability.
Conclusion: Time to Act
This is not merely an abstract policy debate — it's a call to action for European leaders. They must rise to meet this moment, crafting a future that champions multilateral cooperation over the politics of power as embodied by Trump. If Europe wishes to play a central role in the Arctic, it must do so on its own terms. Now is the time for that bold proposal to come forth, ensuring that Greenland is part of a collective European destiny, rather than a piece on a global chessboard.
Source reference: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/12/donald-trump-greenland-eu-membership-europe
