Poll: 85% of Greenlanders do not want to be part of the US

According to a recently conducted survey, 85% of Greenlanders do not want their Arctic island, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, to enter the United States. This is happening at a time when the U.S. government has been showing high interest in acquiring Greenland for strategic and security reasons.
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Greenland is an enormous territory, strategically located and of high interest for geopolitical interests. In the past, U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that the island is very important to the security of the United States. The U.S. military is already present in the Pituffik Space Base, an important missile early-warning system location.

The Opinion Poll Results

According to a survey by Verian, conducted for Danish newspaper Berlingske:

85% of Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the U.S.

Only 6% support U.S. acquisition

9% remain undecided

These numbers send a clear message that the vast majority of Greenlanders wish to remain independent or under Danish governance.

Denmark’s Response

Denmark has reaffirmed its commitment to Greenland by upping its military presence in the Arctic, and a new budget of 14.6 billion crowns ($2.04 billion). Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has sought support from European allies, meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

Greenland's Bid for Independence

Greenland's Prime Minister, Mute Egede, made clear that the island is not for sale. He stated it was purely a decision to be undertaken by Greenlanders themselves. The Prime Minister asked for a face-to-face meeting with Trump to settle matters over a friendly table.

Importance of Greenland

Natural Resources: this land has vast amounts of unexploited natural resources, which consist of rare earth minerals; hence, it is an important land to global economies.

Military Importance: The Pituffik Space Base is an important part of the U.S. missile defense systems.

Climate Change: As the Arctic ice melts, new trade routes are opening up, and thus Greenland is becoming strategically more important.

International Support for Greenland and Denmark

European leaders have strongly backed Denmark's position, reaffirming that Greenland should not be forced into any agreement with the U.S. The European Union has shown concern about the American plans for the Arctic and reminded Denmark that Greenland is independent.

What's Next?

While the United States has not formally renounced its interest in Greenland, the outright rejection by the people and Denmark means that it will probably never have it. In other words, Greenland may forge on to total independence, and the decision shall be made for it without being forced upon them.

FAQs

Why does the U.S. want to acquire Greenland?

The U.S. views Greenland as an important place for military and security interests and also has vast natural resources as well as geographical location along developing Arctic trade lanes.

Can Greenland break away from Denmark?

Yes, Greenland has full autonomy to be self-governing, and it does have the power to declare its independence through a referendum.

What is Denmark doing for Greenland?

Denmark has escalated the military posture and obtained political assistance from European partners to counterbalance the American pressure.

What is the function of Pituffik Space Base?

It provides the U.S. military with the important missile early warning system facility as well as other facilities for Arctic operations.

What is the official position of Greenland towards the American offer?

Green has been clear: the island is not for sale, and whatever decision will be made about the future of this island will depend on its people.

The Greenlanders have made their point clear: they don't want to become a part of the United States. As the global geopolitical tensions rise, Greenland's role in this world will still be very significant, and this will be left in the hands of its people.