Welcoming the Prime Minister of Greenland Jens-Frederik Nielsen to the European Parliament, President Roberta Metsola said the European Parliament will always stand with the people of Greenland: for their right to choose their own path, for their territorial integrity, and for the rules-based order.
Dear colleagues,
It is an honour to welcome the Prime Minister of Greenland, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, to the European Parliament today.
This is the first time that a leader of Greenland has ever addressed this House. A truly historic moment, and a milestone in the partnership between Greenland and the European Union.
Jens-Frederik, welcome. Tikilluarit. And thank you for being with us.
You stand here today on behalf of all the people of Greenland - a people with a proud history, and a strong future.
This Parliament knows it. And our message to you is this: when you look to Europe, you will always find an outstretched hand. A partner and a friend that stands with you in mutual respect.
The ties between Greenland and the European Union run deep, and they continue to grow. They have been shaped by the history that we share, by the challenges that we face together, and by the way we see the world around us.
This House is grateful for the strong support for Greenland shown by Denmark in uneasy moments. It has led an EU drive of renewed partnership.
We meet at a time of uncertainty. The security and stability that we once took for granted can no longer be assumed. This was the clear message from European leaders in Copenhagen last week. And that is why, with Greenland as a strategic partner, particularly with Denmark holding the EU Presidency, we are working side by side: to strengthen stability across the Arctic, to counter hybrid threats, and to tackle growing security risks.
But our partnership goes far beyond security. It is about people. About making sure that communities, families and businesses in Greenland and in Europe can look to the future with confidence.
That is why young people are at the heart of our partnership. And it is why the European Union is investing in education and training in Greenland, with more than 200 million euros already committed, and more support on the way. This investment gives young Greenlanders the skills, the tools, and the confidence to shape their own future and determine their own path.
Dear Prime Minister, dear Jens-Frederik, thank you for being with us today. We look forward to hearing what you have to say, and to continuing our partnership in the years ahead. The floor is yours.