Greenland has rarely drawn the attention as much as in recent weeks. The fault in particular to Donald Trump, who has not stopped, since his return to the White House, to openly display his ambitions for this immense island, which he would like to buy as we do his shopping. A brutal spotlight on an unknown territory, however at the heart of lusts for more than three centuries.
Because of its mining resources and its strategic position, which makes it a military base of choice, Greenland stirs up both the appetite of the United States and China, not to mention the European Union (EU)-which it has a singular history to say the least.
The largest island in the world has been colonized by several waves of successive Vikings. Over time, she has passed under the fold of Denmark, of which she is still part today even if she enjoys an autonomous diet. If its geographical position rather brings it closer to North America, Greenland is therefore well associated with Europe. He could even have been part of the EU, if he had not left his ancestor four decades ago.
A little tour …
It all started in 1973, when Denmark embarked on the European adventure by integrating the European Economic Community (EEC), an organization that establishes a common market between all its members. Denmark’s membership of Denmark leads to de facto that of its Groenland territory, which is found, a little despite itself, in this kind of ancestor of the Union.
Despite himself, because this European integration is then far from being unanimous. During the 1972 referendum on CEE membership, while a large share of Danish pronounces favorably, the majority of the Groenlandian population voted against. The status of Greenland at the time does not leave them the choice: as an overseas territory in Denmark, its membership is automatic.
We can say that European history begins rather badly for the island and it only worsened. The Groenlandian population quickly realizes that certain ECC economic policies could harm their interests, in particular with regard to fishing, one of the key sectors of the territory economy. With the accession to the EEC, Greenlandic waters open to the member countries of the organization who want to fish there, which causes a loss of control of fishery resources and natural wealth. A reason for rupture.
… and then leaves
Behind fishing, a major friction between Greenland and CEE, also hides a broader desire to have extended control over decisions affecting the country. This is done in 1979: Greenland obtained internal autonomy after a referendum granted by Denmark and approved at 73% by the local population. It is a turning point in the relationship of the territory with Denmark, but also with Europe.
Barely three years after obtaining this autonomy, Greenland, which is finally free, organizes a new referendum. This time, the CEE is directly targeted: should we or not be maintained there? The Groenlandian population cuts 52%to leave the organization. On March 13, 1984, the Greenland Treaty was signed, the withdrawal agreement became effective on 1er February 1985. Greenland thus became the first territory to leave the EEC. This same organization became the European Union in 1993 following the Maastricht Treaty, expanding its powers far beyond the economy.
Today, Greenland is far from having cut bridges with Europe and it is even registered on the list of overseas territories associated with the EU. This particular status allows it to maintain certain economic and commercial advantages with member countries, while remaining independent on the management of certain sectors, particularly in terms of natural resources. An umpteenth balance soon turned upside down by Donald Trump?
