European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday (January 14) insisted on the European Union's robust ties with Greenland, pledging continued support for its interests while also detailing the structure of the EU's loan for Ukraine.

"We respect the wishes of the Greenlanders and their interests, and they can count on us," von der Leyen said during a press conference in Brussels, emphasizing the EU's recognition of Greenland's priorities and its significance within Arctic security.

She highlighted that Arctic security remains a critical issue not only for NATO but also for the European Union.

On Ukraine, von der Leyen detailed the European Union's plans to allocate the €90 billion ($104.9 billion) aid package, dividing it into €30 billion for budgetary support and €60 billion for military assistance.

"With the military assistance, Ukraine can stand strong against Russia, and at the same time, it can integrate more closely into Europe's defence industrial base," von der Leyen stated.

The funds earmarked for military support will primarily be channelled into purchasing equipment from the EU, the European Economic Area (EEA), and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries.

If procurement within these regions proves unfeasible, purchases from outside the EU will be considered, von der Leyen explained, while stressing a preference for European suppliers.

Regarding the €30 billion for budget support, von der Leyen noted the investment would be conditioned on Ukraine's commitment to democratic reforms, the rule of law, and anti-corruption measures.

"The investment is conditioned on reforms, also to bring Ukraine closer to European Union membership," she added, reiterating the EU's broader goal of supporting Ukraine's long-term stability and integration into the bloc.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

EU's von der Leyen: Greenlanders can count on us

VIDEO SHOWS: EUROPEAN UNION COMMISSION PRESIDENT, URSULA VON DER LEYEN, SPEAKING OF EU UKRAINE LOAN AND GREENLAND DURING PRESS CONFERENCE

SHOWS: BRUSSELS, BELGIUM (JANUARY 14, 2026) (EUROPEAN UNION - Access all)

1. EUROPEAN UNION COMMISSION PRESIDENT, URSULA VON DER LEYEN, AND EUROPEAN COMMISSIONERS ARRIVING FOR PRESS CONFERENCE

2. (SOUNDBITE) (English) EUROPEAN UNION COMMISSION PRESIDENT, URSULA VON DER LEYEN, SAYING:

"So there's a strong and good existing relationship between the European Union and the Greenlanders. And for me, it's important that the Greenlanders know - and they know this by the deeds, not only by the words - that we respect the wishes of the Greenlanders and their interests, and that they can count on us.”

3. VON DER LEYEN AND COMMISSIONERS ON STAGE

4. (SOUNDBITE) (English) EUROPEAN UNION COMMISSION PRESIDENT, URSULA VON DER LEYEN, SAYING:

"Greenland belongs to its people. So it's up to Denmark and Greenland, and only to them, to decide on matters that are concerning Denmark and Greenland. That's point number one, and that's very important. We are in constant contact with the Danish government also to listen to what the needs are, what the needs of the Greenlanders are, in very close contact.”

5. VON DER LEYEN AND COMMISSIONERS ON STAGE

6. JOURNALIST ASKING QUESTION

7. (SOUNDBITE) (English) EUROPEAN UNION COMMISSION PRESIDENT, URSULA VON DER LEYEN, SAYING:

"Greenland is part of NATO. And when we are speaking about Arctic security, this is one of the core topics of NATO. And we know that the glue between the allies is the fact that there's always the clear motto: one for all, all for one. So NATO is one forum to integrate the different interests that are out there. But of course, the Arctic and Arctic security is also a matter for the European Union, without any question."

8. VON DER LEYEN AND COMMISSIONERS ON STAGE

9. (SOUNDBITE) (English) EUROPEAN UNION COMMISSION PRESIDENT, URSULA VON DER LEYEN, SAYING:

"We propose to split the 90 billion euros in two parts. One-third—that is, 30 billion euros—for budgetary support, and two-thirds of the 90 billion will be for military support, so 60 billion euros. With the military assistance, Ukraine can stand strong against Russia and at the same time it can integrate more closely into Europe's defence industrial base."

10. VON DER LEYEN AND COMMISSIONERS ON STAGE

11. JOURNALIST ASKING QUESTION

12. (SOUNDBITE) (English) EUROPEAN UNION COMMISSION PRESIDENT, URSULA VON DER LEYEN, SAYING:

"The funds will be used to purchase equipment mainly from Ukraine, from the European Union, and the EEA (European Economic Area) EFTA (European Free Trade Association) countries. But if these necessary procurements are not possible in this region, or in due time, then it might also occasionally be possible to acquire the equipment outside the European Union and the geographical region I've just described. So, in general, European preference, but a cascading principle: European preference first, and then, if not possible, then the purchase abroad."

13. VON DER LEYEN AND COMMISSIONERS ON STAGE

14. (SOUNDBITE) (English) EUROPEAN UNION COMMISSION PRESIDENT, URSULA VON DER LEYEN, SAYING:

"The budget support, so the 30 billion euros, is designed to help Ukraine to advance its reforms and to modernize the country. The investment is conditioned to reforms, also to bring Ukraine closer to European Union membership. This includes the commitment of Ukraine towards strong democratic processes, the rule of law, and anti-corruption measures. These conditions are non-negotiable for any financial support. You know our principles: investment and reform, also to make sure that Ukraine moves forward on its path of accession to the European Union."

15. VON DER LEYEN AND COMMISSIONERS ON STAGE

16. VON DER LEYEN AND COMMISSIONERS LEAVING