In a recent statement, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen highlighted the severe consequences that could arise should the United States pursue a military takeover of Greenland. She emphasized that such an act would effectively mean one NATO member state attacking another, a scenario fraught with risks that could jeopardize the alliance that has maintained security since World War II.
Frederiksen addressed these concerns during an interview with Danish broadcaster TV2, underscoring the necessity to take President Donald Trump's expressed interests in Greenland seriously. "I believe one should take the American president seriously when he says that he wants Greenland," she asserted, demonstrating recognition of the potential reality behind the U.S. leader’s rhetoric.
However, the Danish leader also made clear the consequences of such an action from the United States. "If the United States chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops, including NATO and thus the security that has been established since the end of the Second World War," she stated resolutely. Her comments point to a fundamental break in the transatlantic alliance should U.S. military aggression be directed at Greenland, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and falls under NATO’s collective defense umbrella.
President Trump has intermittently voiced his interest in acquiring Greenland, citing its increasing strategic value within the Arctic region. He noted heightened activities from Russia and China around the island, framing the acquisition as a national security imperative for the United States. When speaking with reporters, the president described Greenland as "so strategic right now," pointing out its surrounding presence by Russian and Chinese naval vessels.
"We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it," Trump commented, highlighting his perception of Greenland’s significance and suggesting Denmark’s capacity to manage the territory is insufficient.
These assertions have been met with firm rebuttal from Danish officials. Prime Minister Frederiksen emphasized Denmark’s existing extensive arrangements with the U.S. military granting access to Greenland, indicating that the United States already fulfills critical defense collaborations within the territory. She rejected the notion that Washington possesses any legal grounds for annexing Greenland and stressed the territorial sovereignty and will of its inhabitants. "The people of Greenland have made clear that they are not for sale," she said.
Following the recent surge in statements about Greenland, both the Danish Prime Minister and Greenland’s own Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, have collectively reaffirmed the island’s integral status as part of the Danish Kingdom. They underscored its protection under NATO’s mutual defense clauses, dismissing suggestions of transferring sovereignty.
The issue has drawn responses beyond Denmark and Greenland. The United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, echoed these sentiments on Monday, affirming that Greenland’s future rests exclusively with Denmark and the Greenlanders themselves. Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul similarly emphasized that Greenland remains Danish, protected under NATO commitments as a member country.
Key Points
- Denmark’s Prime Minister warns that a U.S. military attack on Greenland would equate to aggression between NATO allies, threatening the survival of the alliance.
- President Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, citing its strategic Arctic position and increasing Russian and Chinese presence.
- Denmark already grants significant U.S. military access to Greenland and rejects any notion of sovereignty transfer or sale of the territory’s people.
- Other NATO members, including the UK and Germany, have publicly supported Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland and its protection under NATO.
Risks and Uncertainties
- The possibility that U.S. intentions towards Greenland could escalate tensions within NATO, undermining the alliance’s collective security arrangement.
- Potential diplomatic fallout between Denmark and the United States if military ambitions towards Greenland persist.
- Ongoing geopolitical contest in the Arctic region involving Russian and Chinese navies, which contributes to the strategic sensitivity of Greenland.
Denmark’s stance reflects a commitment to preserve the integrity of NATO and the sovereignty of its territories amid evolving global strategic interests, particularly in the Arctic. The situation remains dynamic, influenced by public declarations and the broader geopolitical climate surrounding the region.