Greenland Bans Foreign and Anonymous Donations to Political Parties
Safeguarding Political Integrity in the Face of Rising U.S. Interest
Greenland has banned all foreign and anonymous donations to political parties. On February 4, the parliament (Inatsisartut) unanimously approved the ban to shield the mineral-rich, geostrategic hotspot from external political interference ahead of its parliamentary elections on March 11, 2025. This decision comes less than a week after introducing stricter regulations on foreign investments in real estate and property. This legislation is a direct response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s unrelenting interest in acquiring the quasi-autonomous Arctic territory.
However, with the country’s major political parties holding differing views on independence and relations with Denmark, could U.S. interest influence party positions even without financial manipulation? Alternatively, could the threat of a U.S. takeover push Greenland further into Denmark’s and NATO’s protection—or even toward full sovereignty as an independent nation? All eyes are on the upcoming election, which was swiftly called by Prime Minister Egede and will determine Greenland’s future course.
As the election approaches, the focus shifts to the specifics of the new law and how it aims to protect the democratic process. But what exactly does the foreign political donation law say?
Legislation Overview
The new law introduces strict measures to prevent financial interference in Greenland’s political system. It not only bans foreign and anonymous donations but also imposes limits on domestic contributions. Under the law:
Political parties can receive a maximum of 200,000 Danish kroner (€17,170) in total private contributions.