Need to redouble efforts and engagement in Arctic says Greenland strategy
Preserving the Arctic as a peaceful region remains Greenland’s key priority, but amidst a rapidly changing global landscape marked by covert operations, cyber threats, and unprecedented geopolitical tensions, the country needs to take measures to fortify its security and self-reliance, Nuuk’s new Foreign, Security, and Defense Policy and Arctic strategy said.
“Conflicts and security policy issues have a global impact and — whether we like it or not — require precautionary and security measures, as well as defense policy decisions, also in Greenland and the Arctic,” the policy said.
“We must contribute to these debates and decisions in an informed way, and this requires that we in Greenland redouble our efforts and engagement.”
Greenland has been plagued by waves of internet incidents in recent years and fortifying the country against their crippling effects will be a top priority, the document said.
“Keeping the responsibility for critical infrastructure in Greenland’s hands will be key moving ahead,” the document said.”Greenland is also subject to malicious cyber attacks, and we consequently need to do more to protect our critical infrastructure and strengthen our capacity in this area.
“Hence, we cannot and shall not allow this infrastructure to be owned by foreign stakeholders. This is essential for the safety of our people and our communities.”
Strengthening role in Arctic Council, creation Arctic North American forum
Other than security and defence, the policy document includes several sections on business, international fora and the environment, including international trade priorities with China, Japan, South Korea and India, connectivity, developing climate policy that takes into account development, and relations with fellow Arctic countries like Canada.
“We aim to collaborate more with the world, our North American neighbors, and especially our neighbors in the North — strengthening our North-to-North cooperation and ties between the peoples of the Arctic, for the benefit of those who call Greenland and the Arctic their home,” Vivian Motzfeldt, Greenland’s Minister for Statehood and Foreign Affairs, said in the policy’s forward.
Taking on a greater role in the Arctic Council, and the creation of an Arctic North American forum where Alaska, Canada and Greenland could share best practices, are among Nuuk’s focuses, the document said.
Importance of cooperation with Canada
Canada is Greenland’s closest neighbour and cooperation with Ottawa on everything from industry and education, to trade and Arctic security remains important for Nuuk, the document said.
Among the priorities are ensuring Inuit can travel freely back and forth across the Canadian border at the northernmost points of Nunavut and Greenland.
The June 22 border agreement between Ottawa, Copenhagen and Nuuk can be used to further explore this option, the policy said.
“Greenland will work to ensure that the Inuit communities in Avanersuaq and northern Nunavut can visit each other without major obstacles,” the policy document said.
“Greenland and Canada are neighboring countries, and Greenland will work to ensure the greatest possible freedom of movement between the two countries.”
The 2024-2033 Arctic strategy is available on the Government of Greenland website.
Comments, tips or story ideas? Contact Eilís at eilis.quinn(at)cbc.ca
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Canada needs ‘goals, a plan and resources’ for Arctic, says expert, The Canadian Press
Denmark: Danish policy prioritizes low-conflict Arctic amidst Russian tensions, Eye on the Arctic
Faroe Islands: Faroe Islands’ Arctic strategy focuses on security, climate & cooperation, Eye on the Arctic
United States: White House releases U.S. Arctic strategy implementation plan, Eye on the Arctic
