Ahead of snap elections, Greenland’s independence ambitions could open a window for closer co-operation with the EU

Greenland will hold elections on 28 November following an expenses scandal involving Prime Minister Aleqa Hammond, which led to the collapse of the government. Ulrik Pram Gad writes that while there is strong support within Greenland for establishing independence from Denmark, the recent political turmoil has undermined plans to use investment in extractive industries such as mining as the basis for an independent economy. He argues that the situation could present an opportunity for the EU to engage in closer bilateral co-operation with the country, particularly given Greenland’s natural resources and renewable energy potential

Could a ‘reverse Greenland’ arrangement keep Scotland and Northern Ireland in the EU?

While no member state has ever left the European Union, Greenland opted to leave the EEC in 1985. Ulrik Pram Gad assesses what lessons the case of Greenland might have for the UK following its decision to leave the EU. He suggests that while the two situations are radically different, Greenland could serve as inspiration for a model in which Scotland, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar could retain membership of the EU while England and Wales pursue their own arrangements

Opposition to the Kuannersuit project offers an opportunity for the EU and United States to pursue closer cooperation with Greenland

Resistance to the Kuannersuit mining project had a decisive impact on Greenland’s general election on 6 April. The project would have granted rights to exploit one of the largest undeveloped deposits of rare earths and uranium in the world. Ulrik Pram Gad writes that while the results of the election may have put the Kuannersuit project on hold, Greenland’s new government is eager to initiate other mining projects and remains open to investment from China. He argues it is time for the EU and the United States to step up with viable green alternatives