Greenland has a unique history with the EU, being the only territory to ever leave it. Originally joining in 1973 as part of Denmark, Greenland’s population consistently opposed European integration. 1972 Referendum: 70% voted against joining the European Communities, but Greenland joined anyway as part of Denmark. 1982 Referendum: After gaining home rule in 1979, 52% voted to leave, driven by disputes over the Common Fisheries Policy, control of natural resources, and a sense that the EC ignored Greenland’s interests. Turnout was 74.9%. 1985 Withdrawal: Greenland formally left the EC on January 1, 1985, via the Greenland Treaty, becoming an Overseas Country and Territory (OCT) associated with the EU, maintaining some economic ties while regaining sovereignty over its fisheries.

Greenland has a longstanding defense arrangement with the United States. On April 27, 1951, Denmark and the United States signed the Defense of Greenland Agreement, which remains in effect today. This treaty grants the United States significant military rights in Greenland: - The right to establish and operate military bases and “defense areas” in Greenland - Free movement of US ships, aircraft, and military vehicles across Greenland’s territory - The ability to construct facilities without paying rent or taxation to Denmark - Authorization to expand military presence if deemed necessary by NATO The most notable result of this agreement was the construction of Thule Air Base (now Pituffik Space Base) in northwest Greenland, which during the Cold War housed more than 10,000 US troops. Today, it remains the northernmost US Department of Defense installation, located 1,210 km north of the Arctic Circle. The agreement was updated in 2004 to recognize Greenland’s Home Rule government, but the fundamental military rights granted to the United States remain unchanged. The treaty continues in force as long as both countries remain NATO members.

"Imposing higher tariffs on countries that contribute to Greenland’s security is a mistake, and I do not agree with it. I share Trump’s focus on Greenland and the Arctic as a strategic region where hostile interference must be avoided. NATO is the proper framework to organize deterrence and collective security in the Arctic." Source: Mario Nawfal on X