The European Union unveiled plans Thursday to double its financial assistance to Greenland, raising funding to more than €530 million for raw materials, energy, and digital projects.
While the EU frames this as support for Greenland’s sovereignty, it also signals Brussels’ determination to carve out its own strategic foothold in the Arctic—directly undercutting American influence at a time when Washington is spending billions to shield Europe from Russian aggression.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the plan as a show of EU strength, but the timing exposes a troubling contradiction: as the U.S. bolsters NATO and defends Europe against Moscow’s advances, Europe is busy sidelining its closest ally by staking out claims in strategic areas like Greenland.
The move highlights Europe’s willingness to weaken U.S. leverage even while relying on American power for its survival.