Greenland MP says US Arctic commissioner dismissed sovereignty concerns

Greenlandic MP in the Danish parliament Aaja Chemnitz said Tom Dans, the new chairman of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission, did not acknowledge her concerns about Greenland’s sovereignty during a brief conversation in Tromsø. The commission advises the White House and Congress on Arctic policy and scientific priorities.

At a press conference during the Arctic Frontiers event, Chemnitz outlined Greenland’s priorities, including climate change, indigenous rights and the need for balanced investment in defense and diplomacy. She reiterated Greenland’s position on international engagement.

“Greenland is not for sale and it needs to be respected. The red lines that we have in Greenland need to be respected.”

In an interview with Arctic Today, Chemnitz said Dans did not address her concerns.

“I had a talk with Arctic Research Commissioner Tom Dans this morning. It was very important to say that Greenland is not for sale, not interested. And it wasn’t really respected. That’s my experience. He didn’t respect it,” she said.

Speaking to Arctic Today, Dans offered a different account of the exchange, describing it as casual and raising social issues facing Greenland.

“We just had a little exchange, a pleasant exchange. I respect her point of view, but I don’t know what to do with that information. I had talked about the health concerns for Greenlanders, including tuberculosis, historical issues related to sterilization, and the high incidences of suicide and depression,” Dans said.

The exchange comes as a joint U.S.-Greenlandic working group continues to discuss the terms of international engagement, including defense cooperation and sovereignty. Chemnitz has emphasized that any agreements must align with Greenland’s red lines and involve meaningful consultation with the Greenlandic people.