Exploring Greenland: Is It a Member of the EU?

Have you ever wondered if Greenland is a member of the EU? This question arises quite often and it is understandable. Greenland is a place that is often associated with Europe, but is not actually part of the European Union. In this article, we will go into more detail about why this is the case.

The Location of Greenland

Firstly, it is important to understand that Greenland is actually located closer to North America than it is to Europe. It is an autonomous territory of Denmark and is considered part of the Kingdom of Denmark. However, it is not considered an official member of the European Union. Despite its geographical location, Greenland is actually part of the North American plate and is actually closer to Canada than it is to Europe.

Greenland and the European Union

The European Union is comprised of countries within Europe that have agreed to work together on matters such as trade, economy, and politics. Greenland has never been a member of the EU and has never applied for membership. While Greenland is technically part of the Kingdom of Denmark, it is not considered part of the European Union, as it is not an independent country.

Notable Exceptions

There are some notable exceptions to this. For example, Greenland is part of the European Union’s single market. This means that Greenland can trade with European countries without any tariffs or barriers. Additionally, Greenland is part of the Schengen Area, which allows free movement of people between certain countries in Europe. However, these exceptions do not mean that Greenland is an official member of the EU.

Why Isn’t Greenland a Member of the EU?

There are a few reasons why Greenland is not a member of the EU. Firstly, Greenland is a unique place with a unique history. Greenland was granted home rule in 1978 and has gradually taken over many of its own affairs from Denmark. In 1982, Greenland voted to leave the then European Economic Community (EEC), which was the precursor to the EU. They were concerned about losing control over their own fishing rights and resources that were important to their economy.

Additionally, Greenland’s economy is heavily based on fishing and natural resources. Joining the EU would mean that they would have to abide by EU fishing quotas and would not have as much control over their own fishing industry. This is not something that they were willing to do.

Conclusion

As we can see, Greenland is not a member of the European Union. While they have some exceptions and are part of certain agreements, they are not considered an official member. Greenland values its independence and unique history and has chosen not to be part of the EU.