The United States has signalled that military force could be considered in its efforts to acquire Greenland, rekindling tensions with Europe. European leaders have firmly rejected the idea, stressing that Greenland “belongs to its people” and warning against any U.S. threats. The White House said President Donald Trump views control of Greenland—an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark—as vital to countering rivals in the Arctic.
A statement noted that the president and his advisers are reviewing a range of options to advance this objective, adding that the use of the U.S. military remains within the commander-in-chief’s authority. Analysts say such rhetoric risks serious diplomatic fallout, potentially straining relations with NATO allies and widening the divide between Washington and Europe.
Despite its small population of about 57,000, Greenland holds major strategic importance. Positioned between North America and Europe, it plays a key role in U.S. ballistic missile defence and is rich in mineral resources that could lessen dependence on Chinese supplies. Trump has claimed the island is “covered with Russian and Chinese ships” and that Denmark lacks the capacity to defend it—assertions Danish officials have dismissed.
Europe and Canada push back
European leaders, including those of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom, joined Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in reaffirming that Greenland’s future rests solely with its people.“It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them alone, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland,” the joint statement said. Canada also voiced support. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Governor General Mary Simon and Foreign Minister Anita Anand will travel to Greenland next month to deepen bilateral ties. Nordic foreign ministers from Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark underscored Greenland’s right to self-determination while committing to closer cooperation on Arctic security. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that threats against NATO members risk eroding the alliance’s credibility.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen welcomed the show of European unity and urged “respectful dialogue” with Washington. Denmark rejected claims of extensive Chinese influence. Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said there was no evidence that Greenland was “plastered with Chinese investments” or patrolled by Chinese warships.
The Greenlandic government has sought an urgent meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Denmark’s Rasmussen to address the issue.Meanwhile, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, appointed as U.S. special envoy to Greenland, said he plans to engage directly with Greenland’s residents rather than European or Danish officials. “I want to talk to people who want an opportunity to improve the quality of life in Greenland,” he told Fox News.
