Threats of a U.S. takeover are propelling Greenland toward sovereignty and equal footing with other Nordic countries, as the territory takes steps to gain an independent voice in regional politics.
Greenland's Path to Autonomy
Greenland, along with the Faroe Islands and the Swedish-speaking region of Åland in Finland, is moving toward greater autonomy by seeking seats at the annual Nordic Council, the largest political forum in the region. This would allow representatives of these territories to participate in discussions independently, rather than as part of a bloc with Denmark. The changes were first proposed in 2025, but practical arrangements are being finalized after talks in mid-April, according to officials speaking to the U.K.'s Times.
Nordic Council Membership
Arctic sovereignty is a top priority for this year's summit. A plan to include the three territories as full members has passed its first reading during a preliminary spring session earlier this year. For many, this membership is seen as a significant step toward full independence. While the move is relatively modest and does not immediately grant independence, discussions in Copenhagen have begun in tandem to provide increased autonomy to the Danish territories.
Geopolitical Context
The diplomatic push comes as the Arctic becomes a geostrategic frontier, with a power struggle involving the U.S., China, and Russia expected to intensify. Under U.S. President Donald Trump, explicit threats to bring Greenland under U.S. control have changed the tone of discussions with Denmark. One widely-discussed proposal would make Greenland and the Faroe Islands autonomous while granting preferential rights over military matters to Denmark. Another option would allow the territories to operate freely, similar to the arrangement the Cook Islands has with New Zealand.
Unity and Security
These changes aim to foster unity in negotiations with the EU, NATO, and especially the U.S. However, officials speaking to The Times questioned whether the reforms are sufficient to address the scale of disruption facing the High North. The focus of this year's annual meeting, scheduled for later in 2026, will be on increasing competitiveness in the Nordic region, establishing Greenland's role in the council, and enhancing security and the role of the Nordic Region in the world, according to the body's website. Another major item is amending the Nordic constitution, which currently only admits Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden as full members.
Additional Territories
In addition to Greenland and the Faroe Islands, a permanent council seat would be granted to Åland, a largely autonomous region of Finland where a majority of its 30,000 residents speak Swedish. Trump's actions toward Greenland have included threats to take ownership of the territory while negotiating with Denmark, a NATO ally, to increase military presence, including reopening two abandoned U.S. bases. In a January interview with The New York Times, when asked about the dilemma of preserving NATO or obtaining Greenland, Trump replied: "It may be a choice."
