Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Bourup Egede, has intensified calls for independence from Denmark, framing it as a necessary step to shed the “shackles of colonialism.”
In his New Year’s address, Egede outlined a vision for Greenland as a sovereign nation and hinted at a possible referendum on independence, coinciding with the upcoming parliamentary elections in April 2025.
Historical Context and Greenland’s Political Journey
Greenland’s PM Múte Bourup Egede
Greenland, the world’s largest island, was a Danish colony until 1953, when it became an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark. In 1979, it achieved home rule, and in 2009, self-governance, granting it control over domestic affairs while Copenhagen retained authority over defence and foreign policy. Crucially, the 2009 agreement provides Greenland with the right to declare independence through a referendum.
Egede, who has led Greenland since 2021 as a member of the pro-independence Community of the People (IA) party, stated that the current arrangement with Denmark has not achieved “full equality” for Greenland. He stressed the need for the island to chart its own course, free from the constraints of its colonial past.
“It is now time to take the next step for our country,” Egede said, adding, “Our cooperation with other countries, and our trade relations, cannot continue to take place solely through Denmark.”
Economic Challenges and Opportunities
Greenland’s path to independence is complicated by its economic reliance on Denmark. The island receives an annual subsidy of around €500 million, which accounts for roughly 20% of its GDP. Its economy is dominated by fishing, which contributes 90% of exports, leaving it vulnerable to market fluctuations and overfishing.
Although Greenland is rich in untapped resources such as rare earth minerals, oil, and natural gas, developing these industries poses challenges. Harsh Arctic conditions, limited infrastructure, and environmental concerns have hindered large-scale extraction projects. However, independence advocates argue that leveraging these resources could pave the way for a more self-sufficient economy.
Egede acknowledged these challenges, emphasising that building a framework for a viable independent state is a priority for the new legislative period. His government has already drafted a constitution to establish governance structures for a sovereign Greenland, a significant step toward realising independence.
Geopolitical Tensions and Strategic Importance
Greenland’s strategic location in the Arctic has made it a focal point in global power dynamics. The island hosts the U.S. military’s Thule Air Base, a key asset in Arctic security. As climate change accelerates Arctic ice melt, Greenland’s value in shipping, resource extraction, and military strategy has grown, attracting attention from major powers.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in purchasing Greenland, describing it as an “absolute necessity” for U.S. security and trade. This notion has been sharply rebuffed by Greenlandic leaders and Danish officials alike. Egede firmly stated, “Greenland is not for sale and will never be for sale,” echoing Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s earlier dismissal of Trump’s proposal as “absurd.”
In a possible response to heightened interest in Greenland, Denmark announced plans to increase defence spending in the territory by €1.3 billion. Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen described the timing as coincidental but underscored the importance of strengthening Denmark’s presence in the Arctic.
Public Sentiment and Political Landscape
Greenland’s population of around 60,000 is broadly supportive of independence, but opinions are divided on the timing. While many view independence as a necessary step toward self-determination and equality, others worry about the economic and social consequences of severing ties with Denmark.
Egede’s New Year speech hinted that the long-discussed independence referendum could coincide with the parliamentary elections in April 2025. He framed the next legislative term as a crucial period for laying the groundwork for an independent state, stating, “The upcoming new election period must, together with the citizens, create these new steps.”
This announcement places independence at the centre of the political agenda, making the April elections a potential turning point for Greenland’s future.
