Trump has renewed efforts to bring Greenland under US control, citing national security concerns, sparking European leaders to reaffirm their backing of Denmark. 'Greenland is rightfully its people’s land, with Denmark as its protector.'
Exactly a year following Donald Trump’s initial declaration aiming to annex Greenland into US territory based on “national security,” he has revived this objective.
The US president designated Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as his special envoy to Greenland, assigning him the mission of “incorporating Greenland into the United States,” reiterating the territory’s strategic importance for national protection.
This stance has drawn serious attention from EU heads of state and government, who collectively resist what they characterize as American expansionist moves toward the autonomous region within the Kingdom of Denmark.
French President Emmanuel Macron alongside his Europe and Foreign Affairs Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, responded promptly by affirming their commitment to Denmark’s territorial sovereignty.
«Greenland belongs to its inhabitants. Denmark serves as its protector. I add my support to European voices expressing full solidarity.»
On Tuesday, Trump told reporters that the United States «requires Greenland for national security, not for mineral or oil extraction, but purely for protection. Observing Greenland, Russian and Chinese vessels are abundant in the vicinity. Thus, this is essential for defense.»
He also criticized Denmark for neglecting the territory, claiming, «They have invested nothing, provided no military defense, and say Denmark arrived 300 years ago by ship — we arrived by ship as well, undoubtedly. We’ll need to resolve these matters.»
Amplifying European resistance to US designs and Denmark critiques, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized, “territorial integrity and sovereignty are core principles of international law.” Despite Washington’s tone, she appeared to regard the US as a partner in Arctic security.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez supported this view, stating on X, «Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is fundamental to the EU and all nations globally. Arctic security is a priority where we aim to cooperate with allies and partners.»
Both the US and Denmark are NATO members, an alliance designed to guarantee collective defense in case of aggression against any member. However, this pact has never confronted a situation involving one ally seizing territory from another.
To date, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has refrained from addressing the matter. During a March press conference with Trump in the White House Oval Office, he also declined to comment in response to a journalist’s question.
«Regarding Greenland’s potential accession to the US, I prefer to exclude NATO from this discussion as I want to avoid implicating the alliance,» he stated.