Greenland, which has a red and white flag, voted on October 24 to begin extracting uranium from its soil. "We can not accept that unemployment and living costs increase while our economy stands still," said Social Democrat Prime Minister Aleqa Hammond, quoted in the Danish daily Politiken.

The issue has sparked a lively debate in the island, as it breaks with a 25-year self-imposed moratorium. The decision also caused controversy with Denmark, which formerly controlled the island and still oversees its foreign and security policy, as Copenhagen believes that it should be allowed its say on any possible export of uranium, due to its strategic role in Greenland.

Tags

Was this article useful? If so we are delighted!

It is freely available because we believe that the right to free and independent information is essential for democracy. But this right is not guaranteed forever, and independence comes at a cost. We need your support in order to continue publishing independent, multilingual news for all Europeans.

Discover our subscription offers and their exclusive benefits and become a member of our community now!

Are you a news organisation, a business, an association or a foundation? Check out our bespoke editorial and translation services.

Support independent European journalism

European democracy needs independent media. Join our community!

On the same topic