Following US President Donald Trump’s statement that “one way or another, we will get Greenland,” attention has turned to the general elections being held on the island tomorrow. Why is Greenland, with its population of only 57,000 people, important for the United States? Will the people of this autonomous region linked to Denmark steer their course towards independence or towards the USA?

President Donald Trump’s remarks about “acquiring Greenland” have put the upcoming general elections on the world agenda for the first time in history. Greenland, which has been under the Kingdom of Denmark for over 600 years, holds a semi-autonomous status as an overseas territory of Denmark. According to the Danish constitution, there is also the right to declare independence through a referendum.

US MILITARY PRESENCE Despite having its own parliament, strategic decisions such as foreign affairs, monetary policy, and defense remain under Danish control. The US military also permanently stations troops at the Pituffik military base in northwest Greenland. The Washington administration aims to increase its military presence on the island.

DECISIVE GENERAL ELECTIONS Further fueling the discussions is the recent statement by President Trump during a joint session of Congress, where he proclaimed, “We will get Greenland one way or another.” Greenland Prime Minister Múte Egede responded on social media with the message, “We are not for sale, Greenland is ours.” The outcome of the general elections could be crucial for the future of the island. The Greenlandic Parliament, consisting of only 31 members from six political parties, two of which are in a coalition in power, might see a continuation of the ruling coalition of the “Inuit Ataqatigiit” party, which has promised an independence referendum. The people of the island are expressing their desire for independence.

MEMBER OF BOTH EU AND NATO Greenland, financially supported by Denmark with an annual grant of $560 million to sustain its economy, is a member of both the EU and NATO. Its strategic location in the Arctic, vast oil reserves, and valuable minerals make it a target for global powers, with 25 out of 34 rare elements found in Greenland, including lithium and graphite. Hence, the election result is awaited with anticipation, and a change in Greenland’s legal status would require amendments to the Danish constitution.