A group of European leaders has strongly opposed US President Donald Trump’s repeated calls for the United States to take control of Greenland, as tensions rise following Washington’s military operation in Venezuela and the abduction of its leader. Seven European heads of state, including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, issued a joint statement emphasizing that Greenland “belongs to its people” and that decisions regarding the territory are solely for Denmark and Greenland to make.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any attempt by the US to take over Greenland could jeopardize NATO, noting that military aggression against a NATO member would undermine the alliance and the security guarantees it has provided since World War II. Frederiksen’s remarks came after Trump reiterated his belief that Greenland should fall under US jurisdiction, following the controversial military action in Venezuela.
Trump has not ruled out using military force to assert control over the Arctic territory, and last month Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, an advocate for annexation, was appointed as a special envoy to Greenland. Tensions were further fueled when Katie Miller, wife of Trump’s deputy chief of staff, shared an image of Greenland colored in the US flag with the caption “SOON,” a post that Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen described as disrespectful. Nielsen emphasized that Greenland is not for sale and its future will not be determined by social media posts, while reassuring residents that the country is not under threat of an immediate takeover.
Greenland holds strategic importance due to its location between Europe and North America, hosting elements of the US ballistic missile defense system, and its abundant mineral resources make it attractive to Washington as it seeks to reduce reliance on Chinese imports. Nielsen stressed the importance of maintaining good cooperation with the United States and reiterated that no unilateral conquest is possible.
European leaders have voiced clear support for Denmark, highlighting solidarity within the continent and NATO. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that no NATO member should attack or threaten another, warning that internal conflicts would render the alliance meaningless. The situation underscores the geopolitical sensitivity of Greenland, as nations weigh security, sovereignty, and international law amid escalating US ambitions in the Arctic region.
