Greenland is set to form a new coalition government that includes all but one party elected to its legislature, marking a significant political development amid growing tensions in the Arctic. Four of the five parties in Greenland's parliament have agreed to unite in a broad coalition, with the announcement expected on Friday, March 28, 2025. This coalition comes in response to increased geopolitical pressures, particularly from the United States, as President Donald Trump has expressed intentions regarding the territory.
In a closely watched election held two weeks ago, Greenlanders voted to decide the future of their self-governing territory, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. The center-right Democrats emerged victorious, defeating the governing left-wing coalition with approximately 30 percent of the votes. Despite their win, the Democrats have committed to forming a broad coalition to ensure stability in light of Trump’s aggressive posturing.
As the political landscape shifts in Greenland, U.S. Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to visit an American military base on the island on the same day the coalition government is announced. This visit underscores the strategic importance of Greenland in U.S. foreign policy, particularly as tensions escalate between the U.S. and Russia over Arctic interests.
President Vladimir Putin has recently voiced concerns about the increasing military presence of Western countries in the Arctic, particularly in light of Vance's upcoming visit. He stated that while Trump’s ambitions regarding Greenland are unrelated to Moscow, the Kremlin is wary of NATO's growing focus on the region as a potential conflict zone. To bolster its security, Russia plans to enhance its military capabilities in the Arctic, a move that has raised alarms among Western nations.
During a visit to Murmansk on March 27, 2025, Putin launched a nuclear-powered submarine, the Perm, which is equipped with hypersonic Zircon missiles. These missiles, capable of traveling at several times the speed of sound and with a range of 900 kilometers (560 miles), represent a significant advancement in Russia's military technology. Putin emphasized the growing geopolitical competition in the Arctic, stating, "It is obvious that the role and importance of the Arctic both for Russia and for the whole world is growing. But unfortunately, geopolitical competition, the struggle for positions in this region, is also intensifying."
The Arctic region is warming at more than twice the rate of the rest of the planet, leading scientists to predict that much of the area could be ice-free by 2050. This change is expected to facilitate access to valuable fossil fuels and minerals, further intensifying competition among nations. Four years ago, Russia initiated an ambitious $83 billion Arctic oil project, which includes plans for the construction of towns, airports, and a pipeline. However, western sanctions have delayed the start of this project until at least 2026.
In the midst of these developments, Trump's administration has reiterated its commitment to securing Greenland for U.S. national security interests. Trump has openly stated that Washington needs to take control of Greenland, suggesting that he would not rule out the use of force to achieve this goal. His remarks have sparked significant backlash in Greenland, where a majority of the population opposes any move to become part of the United States.
As tensions mount, Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede has criticized the U.S. for what he described as a "provocation" following plans for Vance and U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz to visit Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. The trip, which also included a dog sled race, has been met with public disapproval, highlighting the delicate nature of Greenland's relationship with the U.S. and its desire for full independence.
Vance's visit was initially not part of the plan but was confirmed on March 25, 2025, just days before the coalition government announcement. His itinerary will now focus on a U.S. space base located in the northern part of the island, reflecting the strategic military interests the U.S. has in the region. The political maneuvers in Greenland and the U.S. visit come at a time when the Arctic is becoming increasingly central to global power dynamics.
As the coalition government takes shape, Greenland's political parties are grappling with their future in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. The Democrats, despite their electoral victory, are navigating the complexities of forming a government that represents a diverse range of opinions and interests. This coalition could serve as a stabilizing force in the face of external pressures, particularly from the U.S. and Russia, both of whom are vying for influence in the Arctic.
Greenland's recent election and the formation of a new coalition government reflect the island's ongoing struggle for autonomy and self-determination. The desire for full independence is a common thread among the major political parties, though they differ in their approaches and timelines. As the world watches, the decisions made in the coming days could have lasting implications for Greenland and its role on the international stage.
