"We fully support Greenland and Denmark. The sovereignty and integrity of that area is non-negotiable," says von der Leyen.
It is up to an independent people to decide their own future.
Security in the Arctic can only be achieved together, she continues, mentioning that Finland recently sold icebreakers to the US. The EU continues to see the US not only as an ally but also as a friend, says von der Leyen.
We will work with the United States and other partners on broader security in the Arctic. This is clearly in our common interest and we will increase our investments.
Among other things, she believes that more money should be spent on European icebreakers. The EU should also update its strategy for security in the Arctic.
When she prepared the speech, she did not think that security in the Arctic would become a main theme. Now Europe must adapt to a completely new security reality, she concludes.
The point is that the world has changed permanently. And we have to adapt with it.
What do you think?