Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Greenland Prime Minister Mute Bourup Egede has declared the Arctic island’s readiness to pursue independence from Denmark, marking a significant shift for the future of the region.
In his New Year’s speech, Egede emphasized Greenland’s commitment to determining its own destiny and strengthening partnerships with other nations.
“It is only a matter of time before we take steps to decide our future, including who we will work closely with and who our trading partners will be,” Egede said in his address, as reported by Reuters on Saturday, January 4.
Greenland Independence
The independence movement has gained momentum in Greenland in recent years. Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953 and currently holds the status of an autonomous territory within Denmark.
In 2009, Greenland gained the right to declare independence through a referendum, a process that would allow it to become a fully sovereign state. In 2023, the Greenlandic government presented its first draft constitution.
“History and our current situation show that our cooperation with the Kingdom of Denmark has not succeeded in creating full equality,” Egede said, according to Reuters. “Now is the time for our country to take the next step. Like other nations, we must work to remove barriers to cooperation—which we can describe as the chains of colonialism—and move forward,” he added.
While Egede stressed that the decision ultimately lies with the people of Greenland, he did not specify a timeline for a potential independence referendum.
Although a majority of Greenland’s 57,000 residents support independence, there are differing views on its timing and potential impacts on living standards.
Reject Trump’s Offer
Egede’s speech came come weeks after U.S. President elect Donald Trump reiterated his controversial proposal to buy Greenland, who had previously expressed interest in purchasing the island. Greenland has twice receive Trump’s proposals to purchase, once in 2019 and again last year.
Read also : Greenland Opens First International Airport, Paving Way of Direct Flights for Tourism
Egede’s speech did not directly mention former U.S. President Donald Trump or the United States. However, Egede firmly reiterated Greenland’s sovereignty, stating, “Greenland belongs to us. We are not for sale and will never be for sale.”
As Greenland stands at a crossroads, the path to independence remains uncertain, while Egede’s message signals a clear intent to shape the island’s future on its own terms.
(Raidi/Agung)
