Leaders from key European nations have issued a strong, unified rebuke against renewed threats from former U.S. President Donald Trump to seize Greenland from Denmark. The joint statement, released on Tuesday, underscores that sovereignty and international law are non-negotiable.
European Unity Against Annexation Rhetoric
The powerful declaration was signed by the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Denmark, and the United Kingdom. They collectively stressed that security in the strategically important Arctic region must be "achieved collectively, in conjunction with NATO allies including the United States." This cooperation, they insisted, must align with the principles of the UN Charter, which include respect for sovereignty and the inviolability of borders.
While acknowledging the United States as an "essential partner" within NATO, the leaders left no room for ambiguity regarding Greenland's status. They firmly stated that "Greenland belongs to its people" and that all decisions concerning the territory rest solely with Denmark and Greenland's own government.
Greenland's Premier and Growing Concerns
In a separate response, Greenland's Premier, Orla Joelsen, expressed gratitude to the European leaders for defending the territory's autonomy. Joelsen made it explicitly clear that Greenland is not open to annexation.
"Our country is not something that can be annexed or taken over simply because someone wishes to do so," Joelsen stated. He highlighted that amid repeated claims from the former U.S. president about America's serious interest in Greenland, support from NATO allies was "both important and unequivocal."
European anxieties have reportedly escalated following the recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Diplomats view this action as potential evidence that Trump could act on his threats. Danish officials confided to U.S. media that the Venezuela incident served as a wake-up call, solidifying fears that Greenland could be targeted against the will of its inhabitants.
Analysts Warn of Risks and U.S. Domestic Criticism
Analysts caution that Europe's previous muted responses to U.S. actions in other regions might encourage further aggressive pressure. Nathalie Tocci, director of the Istituto Affari Internazionali, argued that failing to firmly oppose such interventions risks inviting more bold moves. She warned that any ambiguity could be interpreted as submission, potentially leading to more challenges against European sovereignty.
The controversy has also drawn sharp criticism within the United States. Republican Representative Don Bacon labeled the threats as "embarrassing," stating they erode trust among allies and ultimately benefit adversaries like Russia and China.
"Denigrating our allies serves no purpose," Bacon said, calling for an end to what he described as reckless rhetoric directed at a key NATO partner.
