Recently, European leaders have rallied behind Denmark after U.S. President Donald Trump again floated the idea of acquiring Greenland 🗺️, calling the Arctic territory critical to U.S. defense.
In a recent interview with The Atlantic, Trump said 'We do need Greenland, absolutely.' His comments sparked concern across Europe, where many saw it as a threat to a close ally.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was quick to respond, stating that the United States has no right to annex Greenland. Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen called the rhetoric 'completely and utterly unacceptable.'
Over the weekend, Nordic neighbors voiced their support for Denmark. Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide emphasized the need to respect national sovereignty, while Finland's President Alexander Stubb and Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stressed that any decision about Greenland rests solely with Denmark and Greenland.
On Monday, Prime Minister Frederiksen warned that a U.S. takeover of Greenland could undermine NATO's collective defense framework. 'If the United States chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops,' she told Danish broadcaster TV2.
The backing didn't stop there. Austria's Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger wrote on X that Greenland is an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark and that any annexation fantasies are unacceptable. France, the U.K., Germany and Italy echoed similar sentiments, underscoring EU unity and the inviolability of international borders.
At the European Commission briefing, spokesperson Anita Hipper reaffirmed the bloc's commitment to sovereignty, territorial integrity and the UN Charter. EU leaders are set to discuss the matter further at upcoming meetings.
Why does this matter? Greenland holds strategic military importance, rich natural resources and a key role in Arctic climate research ❄️. Its fate has global implications for security, environment and indigenous rights.
As tensions simmer, all eyes are on Denmark and its Arctic neighbor. Will Washington back down? Stay tuned as this story unfolds 🤝.
Reference(s):
European leaders back Denmark after Trump revives Greenland remarks
cgtn.com
