The Arctic has become a strategically important region for global powers. Melting ice due to climate change is opening new shipping routes. The EU’s Arctic special envoy, Claude Véron-Réville, has said the region is undergoing “profound changes,” marked by “growing geo-political tensions and geo-economic competition driven by its strategic location.”

Von der Leyen’s visit comes just weeks after Trump renewed interest in acquiring Greenland, triggering heightened tensions between the EU and Washington.

In January, von der Leyen stressed: “Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law. … The EU stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland.”

NATO has recently started a mission in the region in an effort to keep Trump onside. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said: “Security in the Arctic and the Far North is essential for us as NATO, as Europeans, but also for North America.”

Greenland is the biggest financial benefiter under the EU’s Overseas Country and Territory scheme. The European Commission proposed to double financial support for the island starting in 2028.

The EU has also said it would unveil a new investment package for the Danish territory. The initiative will involve new investments in energy security — in part aiming to protect critical undersea infrastructure — connectivity and telecoms, and new joint partnerships on critical raw materials, an official at the Munich Security Conference last weekend told POLITICO.

It will be presented during a visit to the Arctic island next month by the EU’s International Partnership chief Jozef Síkela, the official said.

Victor Jack contributed to this report.