Greenland and the European Union

Greenland–European Union relations
Map indicating locations of European Union and Greenland

European Union

Greenland

Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark (which also includes the territories of Denmark and Faroe Islands) is one of the EU members’ overseas countries and territories (OCT) associated to the European Union. Greenland receives funding from the EU for sustainable development and has signed agreements increasing cooperation with the EU.

The associated relationship with the EU also means that all citizens of the Realm of Denmark residing in Greenland (Greenlandic nationals) are EU citizens.[1] This allows Greenlanders to move and reside freely within the EU.

Greenland joined the then European Community in 1973 as a county along with Denmark, but after gaining autonomy in 1979 with the introduction of home rule within the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland voted to leave in 1982 and left in 1985, to become an OCT. The main reason for leaving is disagreements about the Common Fisheries Policy and to regain control of Greenlandic fish resources to subsequently remain outside EU waters.

  1. ^ "OVERSEAS COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES (OCTS)" (Website). Eur-lex.europa.eu. Retrieved 2020-09-14.

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