Historical study

About

Naalakkersuisut and the Danish Government decided, in the joint declaration of 9 June 2022, to launch a historical study of the relation between Greenland and Denmark in the period after World War II and up to the present day.

The historical study of the relation between Greenland and Denmark should, on a scientific basis, contribute to a joint process of uncovering and understanding history, acknowledging the consequences of the decisions that were made and the actions that were carried out, thereby creating the conditions for reconciliation with the past.

Greenland and Denmark have intertwined histories, having undergone developments that have affected both countries. In the period after World War II and up to the present day, the relation between Greenland and Denmark has been characterized, among other things, by Greenland gradually taking over responsibilities and a number of policy areas. The desire to clarify the relation between Greenland and Denmark must be understood in this light.

The purpose of the study is to contribute knowledge about the relation between Greenland and Denmark after World War II and up to the present day. The intention is that this knowledge will increase general understanding of the relationship between the countries and of how this relationship has had far-reaching consequences and affects the current conditions for the Greenlandic population.

Terms of reference

You can read the terms of reference for the historical study of the relation between Greenland and Denmark in the period after World War II and up to the present day here (in Danish).