Brussels, 19/03/2015 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission, Greenland and Denmark signed a joint declaration on Thursday 19 March updating the nature of their relations, in line with the terms of the 2009 agreement between Greenland and Denmark.
This new cycle in relations reiterates “the geostrategic importance of Greenland” to the EU, said Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. It not only defines the financial framework of the relations, it also lays the foundations for policy dialogue in strategic sectors, such as “arctic matters, natural resources and the environment”, he added.
Greenland, which holds full control over fishing activities in its territorial waters, is considered by the EU as an overseas country, noted its prime minister, Kim Keilsen, highlighting the importance for the island of diversifying activities in future. Calling for understanding of and respect for the cultures of the peoples of the Arctic, including on “trading in seal products”, the Danish prime minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt spoke of the opportunities that exist in research, tourism and tackling climate change. (Mathieu Bion)