In the midst of an increasingly challenging geopolitical environment, as Brazil prepares to host COP 30, and G7 ministers deliberate on raw materials, the Socialists and Democrats have just concluded a high-level mission to Greenland aimed at reinforcing the partnership with the Greenlandic government and raising awareness of the need to build strong ties with like-minded partners.

The president of the S&D Group, Iratxe García, and the vice-president of the European Parliament, Christel Schaldemose, met with Greenland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vivian Motzfeldt, the Minister for Business, Raw Materials, Energy, Justice and Gender Equality, Naaja Nathanielsen, the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Church, Nivi Olsen, and the Minister of Fisheries and Hunting, Peter Borg. 

Over four intensive working days, they travelled to Nuuk and Illulisat, engaged in discussions with students from the Greenland Business College, and visited Royal Greenland – the production factory of the largest fishing company in Greenland and one of the main economic drivers on the island. They learned first-hand about the current state of the Icefjord, a UNESCO world heritage site and the most productive glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. 

Another key objective of the visit was to reinforce ties with Siumut, the sister party on the island. In meetings with its leadership, both parties committed to deepening cooperation and maintaining closer exchanges. 

Iratxe García, president of the S&D Group, said:

“It’s time to move from facts to action and begin implementing the Memorandum of Understanding, signed in 2023, and from which both partners can equally benefit. We acknowledge that there is a mutual need between both regions.

“While the cooperation with Greenland can significantly help the Union to advance in its strategic autonomy, it will also give the Artic island a unique opportunity to move forward on the extraction of rare earths, the development of renewable energies, and research on biodiversity and protection of the environment. A partnership that will add layers to the existing cooperation in education, pivotal for promoting the specialisation of the working class, while preserving the island’s identity and respecting local communities.”

Christel Schaldemose, vice-president of the European Parliament and Head of the Danish S&D Delegation, said:

“Visiting Greenland has been an unforgettable experience. The warmth of the people, the breath-taking nature and the honest conversations concerning both opportunities and challenges have left a lasting impression on me. Nowhere is the impact of climate change more visible than here – a powerful reminder that we must act now. This visit has shown the strength of our equal partnership and the great potential it holds – not least when it comes to the sustainable use of natural resources. I leave Greenland with deep respect for the people who call this remarkable place home, and with a renewed determination to strengthen the partnership between Greenland, Denmark and the European Union.”