Greenland moves to restrict real estate purchases amid US interest
2 Min Read
The initiative aims to prevent speculative investments and maintain local control over land ownership.
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Homes are illuminated after the sunset in Tasiilaq, Greenland, Friday Aug. 16, 2019 (AP Photo/Felipe Dana, File)
Greenland's Sermitsiaq newspaper reported on Tuesday that authorities are preparing new regulations to tighten control over real estate acquisitions.
The proposed measures would restrict property purchases to Danish citizens and permanent residents who have lived on the island for at least two years.
According to Housing and Infrastructure Minister Hans Peter Poulsen, the initiative aims to prevent speculative investments and maintain local control over land ownership.
This move comes amid heightened geopolitical attention, particularly following renewed interest in US President Donald Trump.
Necessary Acquisistion
In December 2024, Trump declared that acquiring Greenland was a "necessity" for the United States.
His national security adviser-designate, Mike Waltz, later stated that Trump was considering all possible options, including military force, to gain control of the island.
Greenlandic Prime Minister Múte Egede quickly rejected the idea, reiterating that Greenland is not for sale.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also reaffirmed that Greenland remains under Danish sovereignty and is not available for purchase.
Read more: Danish PM says received European support over Trump's Greenland bid
In addition to real estate restrictions, Greenlandic lawmakers are preparing to debate a bill aimed at preventing foreign interference in the upcoming April elections.
The legislation would prohibit foreign and anonymous donations to political parties, reinforcing the integrity of the electoral process.
Greenland, once a Danish colony, gained self-governing status in 2009 while remaining part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
A recent poll conducted between January 15 and 22, surveying just over 1,000 people in Denmark, found that 46% view the US as either "a very big threat" or "a fairly big threat" to the country.
