Greenland's Prime Minister: Seeks Independence from Denmark but Doesn’t Want to Become Americans | WPN World People News

Greenland's Prime Minister, Múte B. Egede, recently reiterated that the long-term goal of his government is to achieve complete independence from Denmark. He emphasized that Greenland aspires to become a fully sovereign state rather than depend on other major powers, including the United States. His remarks have drawn significant international attention and highlighted the increasingly complex geopolitical landscape of the Arctic region.

In an interview, Egede stated that while Greenland's ultimate aim is full independence, the process requires a stable economic foundation and respect for international commitments. As an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland currently relies heavily on Danish financial support, which accounts for approximately a quarter of its GDP annually.

"We don’t want to rush into independence only to end up dependent on another country," Egede stressed. He noted that Greenland’s government is actively promoting economic diversification, focusing on industries such as fisheries, mining, and renewable energy. Among these, rare earth mineral extraction is particularly critical, as it not only strengthens Greenland’s economy but also has the potential to reduce global dependence on China for rare earth supplies.

With the intensification of global warming, the Arctic’s significance has grown, as new shipping routes and rich natural resources make Greenland a focal point of competition among major powers. In 2019, former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed the idea of "purchasing Greenland," a suggestion that was strongly rejected by both Denmark and Greenland but underscored the island's strategic importance.

In response, Egede made it clear: "We respect our international partners, including the United States, but Greenland is not for sale. Our future lies in deciding our own destiny." Currently, the United States maintains the Thule Air Base in Greenland, further emphasizing its geostrategic importance. Despite maintaining friendly relations with Washington, Egede underscored that Greenland’s foreign policy should prioritize its own interests.

Egede’s government has adopted a pragmatic approach, advocating for gradual steps toward independence while maintaining cooperative ties with Denmark. He stated, "This is not about hostility toward Denmark. We share a long historical connection. Our future independence will be built on mutual respect."

As global interest in the Arctic region continues to grow, Greenland finds itself at a crossroads of opportunity and challenge. For Egede, his vision is clear: to establish a fully independent Greenland, recognized as a sovereign state within the international community, while preserving its cultural identity and avoiding entanglement in global geopolitical rivalries.