The Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy makes a statement on protecting Greenland's right to decide its own future and maintain the rule-based world order. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

statement

Strasbourg

plenary session

Protecting Greenland's right to decide its own future and maintain the rule-based world order: opening statement by Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission

SOUNDBITE (Original), Kaja KALLAS, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, - Honourable President, Honourable Members of the European Parliament. Less than two months ago, on the 11th of March, the people of Greenland cast their vote. In April, a new government was confirmed by Greenland's Parliament. The outcome is a government based on a broad coalition. This is exactly how it should be. Government for the people, decided by the people. Any decisions over Greenland's future should be decided in the same way by the people of Greenland. Greenland and Denmark have both emphasised this. Because the only way to maintain the rules-based world order is the full respect of the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and sanctity of borders.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Kaja KALLAS, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, - This is precisely why the European Union fully supports Denmark and Greenland, and coordinates its positions with both. Honourable members, the EU has a long-standing relationship with Greenland based on Greenland's status as an overseas country and territory. Our support for Greenland already helps Greenland pursue its own objectives, be it in education, green growth, including sustainable raw materials and renewable energy, or security and connectivity. In fact, the EU's collaboration with Greenland is the highest by far. And the EU will continue to invest in Greenland in this mutually beneficial values-based partnership.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Kaja KALLAS, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, - President von der Leyen visited Greenland in March 2024. And together with the then Prime Minister Múte B. Egede and in the presence of Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, she inaugurated the EU office in Nuuk. Having a permanent presence of the EU in Greenland is important for several reasons. First, it makes it easier for collaboration between the EU and government of Greenland, the private sector and the civil society. Second, it helps to promote public and private investments in Greenlands. And third, it help us to deepen our cooperation across a variety of fields including education, renewable energy, critical raw materials, biodiversity, management, and conservation.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Kaja KALLAS, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, - Greenland is also increasingly important for the EU's dual strategic priorities in the Arctic. The Kingdom of Denmark will take up the chair of the Arctic Council next week. For the first time, Greenland will on behalf of the Kingdom assume the chairmanship of the Council with Kenneth Hoegh, a newly appointed Arctic ambassador as chair of the senior Arctic officials. And we welcome the particular focus on strengthening the participation of indigenous peoples and the inclusion of the indigenous knowledge in cooperation across the Arctic. With the changing dynamics in global security, especially after Russia's invasion in Ukraine, there has been an increase focus on military activity in Arctic.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Kaja KALLAS, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, - And while there is no direct military threat in a context of dual use activities, economic security concerns, and the sabotage of submarine cables, it is essential to be vigilant. The EU is addressing these concerns in our joint communication to strengthen the security and resilience of submarine cables, in our cooperation with NATO. And in our security and defence dialogues with the Arctic partners including Iceland, Norway and Canada. Any security concerns must be taken seriously. It is climate change however that remains the largest and most concrete threat to the Arctic.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Kaja KALLAS, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, - Arctic regions are disproportionately impacted by climate change. They are warming three to four times faster than the global average. Sea ice is melting away and permafrost is thawing. This presents a serious challenge for people's livelihoods. The thawing of the Arctic sea ice also opens potential shipping routes and access to natural resources. This in turn could lead to increased security tensions in the region. We analyse these connections broadly in our joint communication on the climate and security nexus which was issued in June 2023.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Kaja KALLAS, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, - Comprehensive and holistic security in the Arctic regions is crucial. This means maritime domain awareness, support for the local populations, as well as disaster response and regional development. In this vein, the EU remains committed to its 2021 Arctic policy. Our goal remains the same, to preserve the region's stability and promote peaceful cooperation. While addressing the multifaceted security challenges that climate change and geopolitical developments present. Thank you very much.

Protecting Greenland's right to decide its own future and maintain the rule-based world order: opening statement by Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission

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