From Trump’s takeover threats to a ‘northern neighborhood,’ why the EU chief is going to Greenland

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attends a press conference on the day of the European Union leaders' summit in Brussels, Belgium Oct. 23, 2025. Yves Herman | ReutersEuropean Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will travel to Greenland's capital on Sunday, seeking to shore up support for the Arctic island against a backdrop of repeated threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.The EU chief is widely expected to announce fresh funding for the self-governing Danish territory, when she makes her second trip to Nuuk, in the company of Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.It comes shortly after Icelanders voted to reject restarting EU membership negotiations and as Trump renews his push to acquire Greenland on national security grounds. Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen made a thinly veiled reference to Trump's pursuit to acquire the island ahead of Von der Leyen's visit. "The EU has made clear its support for us in the geopolitical situation, while responding to our desire for even greater partnership. I look very much forward to the coming days and to share more about the importance of the Joint Declaration for Greenland," Nielsen said in a sta...