Pozycja Grenlandii w Królestwie Danii – między autonomią a niepodległością
The Position of Greenland within the Kingdom of Denmark – Between Autonomy and Independence

Summary/Abstract: Denmark represents an unusual example of a unitary state. While the uniformity of the country’s continental part raises no doubts, its relationship with its autonomous territories – including Greenland – resembles that of the constituent parts of a federal state, and in some respects even approaches the nature of relations between two separate states. Greenland obtained its first degree of autonomy in 1979, but since then this autonomy has been continuously expanded. The currently binding 2009 Act on Greenland Self‑Government grants the island’s authorities legislative, executive, and judicial powers. The range of matters transferred to the competence of Greenlandic authorities is extensive and depends primarily on the consent of the Greenlandic Parliament and Government, which, upon accepting new powers, assume full responsibility for their implementation, including financial responsibility. Greenland, however, is not capable of generating sufficient revenue to fully finance the tasks it has already assumed, and therefore approximately 50% of its budget is subsidized by the Danish state. The island enjoys significant independence in concluding international agreements and participating in international relations. It has its own diplomatic missions and may join or withdraw from international organizations independently of Denmark. Since 1985, Greenland has not been a member of the European Union (successor of the EEC), even though Denmark continues to hold membership. A unique feature – even when compared with federal systems – is the recognition of Greenland’s right to peacefully attain independence. This procedure is regulated by the Greenland Self‑Government Act, and contrary to some public speculation, there is no legal possibility of selling the island. Although Greenland remains a part of Denmark, the only official language is Greenlandic, while Danish has the status of a foreign language.It can therefore be stated that relations between Denmark and Greenland resemble those of equal partners a particularly exceptional situation given that until 1953, Greenland held the status of a Danish colony.

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