COPENHAGEN, Denmark — A fresh diplomatic storm erupted on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump renewed controversial statements implying the United States may seek control of Greenland, drawing fierce criticism from Copenhagen and broad solidarity from European partners. efe.com+1
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she believes President Trump is serious about his interest in acquiring Greenland, a semi-autonomous Arctic territory that forms part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Speaking in an interview with Danish state broadcaster DR, Frederiksen stressed that both Denmark and Greenland have categorically rejected any notion of U.S. takeover. Reuters
“This issue must be taken seriously when the American president repeatedly expresses it,” Frederiksen said, adding that the idea of annexation is unacceptable under international law and modern diplomatic norms. She warned that any military action by the United States against a fellow NATO member could undermine the alliance itself. O Guardião
Greenland’s Leaders Reject Annexation Rhetoric
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen also issued a stark rebuke, declaring that “enough is enough” and rejecting what he described as disrespectful pressure from Washington. Nielsen emphasized that while Greenland remains open to constructive dialogue, it will no longer tolerate annexation rhetoric or threatening comments from foreign leaders. HORA
Greenland, home to around 57,000 people and rich in strategic Arctic resources, has clearly stated in past polls that a large majority of its population opposes integration into the United States. The territory has extensive self-government but remains connected to Denmark for defence and foreign relations. Wikipedia
European and NATO Response
The controversy drew swift backing for Denmark from the European Union and several European governments, including the United Kingdom. EU representatives reiterated support for the principles of national sovereignty and territorial integrity, saying no third-party nation should interfere with decisions over Greenland’s future. EFE Noticias
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed this sentiment, emphasising that only Denmark and Greenland themselves can decide the island’s fate, and that there should be no external imposition on the territory’s status. EFE Noticias
Growing Geopolitical Concerns
Analysts say the renewed diplomatic tension highlights the strategic importance of Greenland in global geopolitics, particularly as climate change opens Arctic sea routes and exposes natural resources. While the United States already maintains a defence presence on the island through the Pituffik Space Base under longstanding agreements, recent comments from U.S. officials and advisors have raised alarms about a deeper shift in U.S. Arctic policy. Wikipédia
For now, both Denmark and Greenland have reinforced their message: Greenland’s sovereignty is non-negotiable, and decisions about its future rest solely with its own people and their elected leaders.
