Security and climate change in focus as S&Ds travel to Greenland

Security, defence, fisheries, climate change and education will be the main topics of the S&D high-level mission to Greenland taking place from Monday 27 October to 31 October 2025. This mission will be led by S&D president, Iratxe García, with the participation of the vice-president of the European Parliament and head of the Danish S&D Delegation Christel Schaldemose.

On Monday, 27 October, the delegation will be in Copenhagen where they will meet the Danish Social Democratic Party's Party Secretary, Lasse Ryberg.

From Tuesday 28 to Friday 31 October, the S&D mission will hold key meetings in Nuuk and Ilulissat, Greenland, including not only authorities and political representatives but also relevant stakeholders such as enterprises, professors, students and civil society representatives.

In Nuuk, they will meet with the Prime Minister of Greenland Jens Frederik Nielsen; the Minister of Foreign Affairs Vivian Motzfeldt; the Minister for Business, Raw Materials, Energy, Justice and Gender Equality Naaja Nathanielsen, and the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Church, Nivi Olsen; and with the Siumut leadership among other relevant authorities. The delegation will engage with young people in various exchanges including with students at the Greenland Business College and the University of Greenland. They will also visit Royal Greenland, the largest fisheries company in Greenland, and the Joint Arctic Command.

In Iluissat, the delegation will have the opportunity to learn firsthand about the current state of the Icefjord, UNESCO world heritage site and the most productive glacier in the Northern Hemisphere.

Iratxe García, president of the S&D Group, said:

"The European Union and Greenland have always been strategic partners. In today's complex geopolitical landscape, our goal is to strengthen that bond, working hand in hand with a natural ally, on an equal footing and based on shared values.

"We want to deepen our cooperation in key areas such as education, the fight against climate change, and the economic fabric such as fisheries and critical raw materials, which are essential for the green and digital transitions. The Socialists and Democrats believe in a sustainable and fair partnership that focuses on improving people's lives and respects diversity.

"We also recognise Greenland's growing leadership in addressing security challenges in the Arctic. Our commitment to the people of Greenland is equally clear: they must be free to decide their own future, without external pressure. At a time when other powers seek to impose the law of the strongest, nothing will weaken our determination to uphold multilateralism as the foundation for free and democratic societies."

Christel Schaldemose, vice-president of the European Parliament and Head of the Danish S&D Delegation, said:

"As a member of the European Parliament from Denmark, I am proud to be able to visit Greenland alongside our Group President, Iratxe. Throughout the coming days, we will get to listen to the people of Greenland, see the impact of climate change firsthand, and understand the challenges Greenland is facing. I am looking forward to having the opportunity to further investigate the many opportunities for enhanced partnership between Greenland, Denmark, and the European Union.

"As a Social Democrat from Denmark myself, I am proud to see Greenland - and more importantly, the people of Greenland - getting the recognition they deserve. Greenland is not only a strategically important partner for the EU, but also a valued partner in building a democratic world order. In a world of increased geopolitical pressure, now is the time to unite with like-minded people. There is no doubt the people of Greenland, their values, and the Naalakkersuisut - alongside the Government of Denmark - play an important role in this."