EU chief unveils $232 million Greenland package as tensions heighten with Trump claims

BRUSSELS (AP) — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled on Monday a 200-million-euro ($232 million) investment package for Greenland, as the European Union seeks to boost its relations with the vast island.

“Greenland can count on the EU,” von der Leyen said, after signing an EU-Greenland declaration with Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Greenland is a semiautonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark.

The EU has increased its focus on Greenland since U.S. President Donald Trump began insisting that the United States should take control of the island for security reasons.

Von der Leyen said the investment partnership “will create new opportunities and a strong and engaged EU in both Greenland and the Arctic, because Greenland is a strategic ally and a trusted friend.”

It aims to help Greenland improve education and fisheries, internet connectivity, hydropower systems, and the use of critical raw minerals. Funds are also earmarked for better housing, support to small businesses and sustainable tourism.

Trump’s persistent claims on the island raised sovereignty concerns and pushback from Greenlandic and Danish leaders and heightened tensions among NATO allies.

Denmark and seven of its European allies sent a small group of military personnel to the island in January, publicly for military exercises focused on strengthening Arctic security, but with the intention of showing support for Greenland’s sovereignty.

In response, Trump threatened to slap new tariffs on them all: Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

“Tariff threats undermine trans-Atlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral,” they said in a statement. “We are committed to upholding our sovereignty.”

Trump eventually backed down after NATO agreed to a security deal in the Arctic region.

Von der Leyen’s visit came as 11 NATO countries began military exercises in Greenland on Monday involving around 400 military personnel, including special forces troops trained to operate in Arctic conditions from Canada, Denmark and Finland.

No U.S. troops are taking part in the Arctic Shield drills, which run Sept. 7-18.

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, forth right, and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, front, visit Qoornoq, Greenland Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. (Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)

Iceberg seen on a boat trip to Qoornoq, Greenland Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. (Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, second left, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, center, and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, second right, visit a ship, Thetis in Nuuk, Greenland Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. (Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Greenland's government leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen visit Qoornoq, Greenland on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. (Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)

BERLIN (AP) — Emma Meesseman led Belgium to the quarterfinals of women’s FIBA World Cup and Puerto Rico finished strongly to eliminate Turkey in their final group games on Monday.

Meesseman had 22 points and 10 rebounds to help Belgium top Australia 80-68 for first place in Group C.

The European champions are now off until Thursday. Australia faces a qualifying playoff on Wednesday against the loser of the Italy-China matchup that takes place later Monday.

Belgium had a five-point lead heading into the fourth quarter, before using a 11-2 run to start the period and gain a double-digit advantage. The Opals couldn’t recover.

The pro-Belgian crowd cheered on their team, waving flags in support.

Arella Guirantes led Puerto Rico with 21 points for a 75-71 win over Turkey.

Puerto Rico was trailing by seven points going into the final quarter, but Imani McGee-Stafford scored and Pamela Rosado followed with two 3-pointers to take a 59-58 lead.

Turkey power forward Elif Bayram went off early in the final quarter with what looked a left leg injury.

Turkey fans outnumbered their counterparts at Berlin’s Max-Schmeling-Halle and they tried to put off Guirantes but couldn’t stop her from securing the win with two free throws.

Puerto Rico next plays the winner between Italy-China on Wednesday.

Belgium's Julie Allemand became the all-time women’s FIBA World Cup assist leader in the game. She got the record-breaking assist when Meesseman hit two free throws with 1:58 left in the first half against Australia.

FIBA gives an assist out when a player is fouled and makes the free throws. Allemand passed Laia Palau of Spain, who had 108 assists in her career.

Allemand started the tournament in eighth place all-time with 87, but had 17 assists in her first two games to get within striking distance of the record.

She finished the game with seven assists to give her 111 in World Cup play.

The four group winners progress directly to Thursday’s quarterfinals, while the teams that finish second and third face playoffs Tuesday or Wednesday to determine which join the group winners already through to the final eight. The bottom teams are eliminated.

Host Germany (1-1) faces Mali (1-1), and Spain (1-1) plays Japan (1-1) later with all scenarios open in Group A. Any one of the four teams can win the group and progress to the quarterfinals or finish bottom and be eliminated.

France (2-0), already through to the quarterfinals, plays already eliminated Nigeria (0-2) later, with Hungary and South Korea (both 1-1) contesting second place in Group B.

Italy (1-1), after coming close to upsetting the United States Sunday night, faces China (1-1) to decide second place in Group D. The U.S. (2-0) has already advanced to the quarterfinals before its final group game against the Czech Republic, which was eliminated after two losses.

See AP’s full WNBA coverage here

Puerto Rico's Zaida Gonzalez fouls Belgium's Emma Meesseman fouls [b during the Women's Basketball World Cup match between Puerto Rico and Belgium in Berlin, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

Puerto Rico's Denise Solís guards Belgium's Emma Meesseman during the Women's Basketball World Cup match between Puerto Rico and Belgium in Berlin, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)