Brussels, 28 January 2025
Renew Europe President, Valérie Hayer, will today depart on a four-day mission to Greenland and Iceland after the latest provocations made by US President Donald Trump regarding the arctic island, self-governing territory of EU-Member State Denmark.
The Renew Europe President’s trip is designed to bolster ties between the EU and these European partners — Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory, and Iceland, an island nation that is actively considering EU membership through a referendum planned for 2027. By engaging with the highest political authorities in both Reykjavik and Nuuk, the Renew Europe President aims to demonstrate Renew Europe’s unwavering support for Iceland’s potential EU future and to feed in to the European response to the evolving geopolitical challenges in the Arctic.
President Hayer will be joined by key Renew MEPs, including Urmas Paet, the European Parliament’s standing rapporteur on the Arctic, Morten Løkkegaard, leader of the Venstre delegation, Stine Bosse, leader of Moderaterne delegation and Sigrid Friis, leader of Radikale Venstre delegation. The delegation will engage with political leaders and experts to discuss the future of EU-Arctic cooperation, as well as the EU’s role in the region’s economic, environmental, and strategic development.
Ahead of the mission, Renew Europe MEPs released a statement affirming support for a European future for both Greenland and Iceland, advocating for strengthened cooperation in the Arctic.
Valérie Hayer, President of Renew Europe, remarked:
“Greenland and Iceland are not distant partners; they are vital members of our European family. This mission highlights our deep commitment to ensuring that the Arctic remains a region of cooperation, peace, and shared European values. It is imperative that the EU enhances its strategic presence in the Arctic, not only to defend our interests but to safeguard the principles we hold dear alongside the citizens of these regions. With their growing geopolitical importance, Greenland and Iceland are essential allies, and their future must be closely tied to that of Europe.”
Strengthening Arctic Ties and Promoting European Values
In Greenland, the delegation’s program includes meetings with Prime Minister Múte Bourup Egede and the Chair of the Greenlandic Parliament, as well as a visit of key infrastructure in Nuuk and leading businesses. The visit underscores the importance of the Arctic’s natural resources, which are crucial for the development of Greenland and the EU’s sustainability goals. In Iceland, Hayer will meet with proponents of Iceland’s 2027 EU referendum, and organise a public event with our Renew Europe party Viðreisn to discuss Iceland’s future role in the European project.
A European future for Greenland and Iceland
We, as pro-European Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament, express our deep attachment to the EU’s cooperation with European partners in the Arctic. It is time for the EU to reinforce its Arctic strategy to defend its interests and protect the values shared with citizens from the region.
Therefore, Renew Europe welcomes the relaunch of the EU membership debate in Iceland and the planned referendum as an opportunity for the citizens to express their democratic will. From our side, the door is open and our willingness to engage with Iceland remains – Iceland has the full right to become a member of the European Union and take its rightful seat among the EU Member States and the institutions. We extend the same lasting invitation to Norway as well.
We are equally proud and committed to our longstanding partnership with Greenland, deep and developing in key areas such as education, research, fisheries, and the sustainable management and use of natural resources.
We urge the European Commission to strengthen these ties, fostering capacity-building and economic diversification to benefit the people of Greenland. Greenland’s rich natural resources and strategic location make it a critical partner for the EU in promoting sustainable development and environmental protection.
Renew Europe considers both Iceland and Greenland part of Europe through history, culture, trade ties, and models of social protection and equity. In this regard, our political group would welcome them to our Union if they decide so. It is of utmost importance that the EU continues to engage with both Iceland and Greenland on policies that address the challenges and opportunities facing the Arctic, including all aspects of security and safety concerns, in the interest of all.
Note to Editors: please read the Renew Europe statement here.