No, Greenland is not a member of the European Union. Although it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, which is an EU member state, Greenland itself holds a unique and separate status due to its distinct political and geographic circumstances. Greenland was originally part of the European Economic Community (EEC), the predecessor to the EU, when Denmark joined in 1973. However, following a referendum in 1982, Greenland decided to withdraw from the EEC, citing concerns over its fishing rights and lack of local influence in EEC decision-making. The official withdrawal took place in 1985, making Greenland one of the few territories to leave the European project. Today, Greenland maintains a relationship with the EU through the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) framework. This allows for cooperation and financial support in areas such as education, environment, and sustainable development, while Greenland retains full control over its fisheries and domestic policy. In short, while politically linked to an EU country, Greenland is not part of the EU and operates largely outside of its jurisdiction, with a special partnership agreement in place instead. It’s a bit of a unique situation:
Greenland is not a member of the European Union, but Greenlandic citizens are EU citizens.
Here’s why:
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Its people are Danish nationals, and Denmark is an EU member state. According to EU treaties, anyone holding citizenship of an EU country (like Denmark) is also an EU citizen, with rights like:
Freedom of movement within the EU
The right to vote in EU elections (if residing in the EU)
Consular protection from other EU embassies abroad
So while Greenland as a territory is not bound by EU laws or policies, its citizens enjoy EU citizenship rights thanks to their Danish passports.
