Greenland–European Union relations Greenland's fishing fleet. However, this deal was struck down by the European Court of Auditors, who felt the amount the EU was paying was too high for the quantity of fish caught. Greenland originally joined the then-European Communities with Denmark in 1973. At that time Greenland had no autonomy from Denmark, which it gained in 1979. Greenland achieved some special treatment such as restrictions on business for non-residents and fisheries. Greenland left in 1985, following a referendum in 1982 with 53% voting for withdrawal after a dispute over fishing rights. The Greenland Treaty formalized their exit. There has been some
Sport in Greenland the International Island Games Association. Greenland took part in the 2007 World Men's Handball Championship in Germany, finishing 22nd in a field of 24 national teams. Greenland took part in badminton in the European Men's & Women's Team Championships in 2018 and won the first match ever in international badminton team championships against Hungary. Sport in Greenland Sport is an important part of Greenlandic culture, as the population is generally quite active. The main traditional sport in Greenland is "Arctic sports", a form of wrestling thought to have originated in medieval times. Popular sports include association football, track and field,