‘Greenland Not for Sale’: Denmark Rallies EU, Pushes Back Against Trump/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen rejected President Donald Trump’s renewed interest in Greenland, calling for EU support to defend Denmark’s sovereignty. Trump suggested using military force to secure Greenland for U.S. national security, prompting Denmark to announce a $2 billion defense upgrade for the Arctic region.
Denmark’s Response to Trump’s Greenland Threat: Quick Looks
- Denmark firmly rejects Trump’s Greenland ambitions and calls for EU solidarity.
- Trump claims the U.S. “needs” Greenland for national security.
- Greenland is an autonomous Danish territory, home to a key U.S. military base.
- Denmark plans $2 billion in Arctic defense upgrades, including naval vessels & surveillance drones.
- Frederiksen open to stronger U.S. military presence, but Greenland remains under Danish control.
- EU leaders discuss security & U.S. relations amid Trump’s trade war threats.
‘Greenland Not for Sale’: Denmark Rallies EU, Pushes Back Against Trump
Denmark Rejects Trump’s Greenland Interest: Deep Look
Trump Reopens Greenland Debate
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen strongly reaffirmed Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland on Monday, warning that any U.S. pressure to take control of the Arctic territory would require a “collective and robust” European response.
“If the U.S. puts tough terms on Europe, we need a collective and robust response,” Frederiksen said in Brussels, where EU leaders gathered for defense talks.
Frederiksen’s comments follow Trump’s recent statement that the U.S. “needs Greenland for national security purposes” and would not rule out military action to secure control of the island. He also linked Greenland’s strategic value to U.S. control over the Panama Canal.
Denmark & EU Stand Firm
Frederiksen emphasized that Greenland remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark and is “not for sale.”
“Everybody has to respect the sovereignty of all nations. Greenland is part of our territory, and it’s not for sale.”
The Danish leader, however, acknowledged growing security concerns in the Arctic, where Russia and China have increased their military and economic activities.
“I totally agree with the Americans that the Arctic is becoming more and more important in terms of defense, security, and deterrence.”
She signaled willingness to expand Denmark’s security footprint in Greenland, including a stronger U.S. military presence, but without compromising Denmark’s sovereignty.
“If this is about securing our part of the world, we can find a way forward.”
Denmark’s $2 Billion Arctic Defense Plan
In response to increased geopolitical tensions, Denmark recently announced a 14.6 billion kroner ($2 billion) defense plan aimed at strengthening Arctic security.
The plan includes:
- Three new Arctic naval vessels for patrolling territorial waters.
- Two long-range surveillance drones for monitoring foreign activity.
- Upgraded satellite capabilities to enhance intelligence gathering.
Denmark’s Defense Ministry confirmed that the investment is designed to bolster sovereignty and security in Greenland and the Faeroe Islands.
Trump’s Greenland Interest & EU Concerns
Trump’s renewed focus on Greenland comes amid broader tensions with European allies, as he pressures NATO members to increase defense spending and threatens tariffs on EU goods.
The EU’s 27 leaders gathered in Belgium for a security summit, where NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined discussions on military readiness, U.S.-EU relations, and Ukraine’s war against Russia.
With Europe’s biggest land war since World War II approaching its third anniversary, leaders fear that Trump’s unpredictable foreign policy could destabilize transatlantic cooperation.
“If the U.S. starts a trade war, the one laughing on the side is China,” warned EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
Will Trump Push Further on Greenland?
Trump previously attempted to buy Greenland in 2019, a move that outraged Denmark and led Frederiksen to dismiss the idea as “absurd.” Trump responded by canceling a state visit to Denmark in retaliation.
This time, however, Trump has suggested using military leverage instead of economic deals. With growing Arctic tensions and Denmark reinforcing its defenses, it remains unclear how far the U.S. will push for influence over Greenland.
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