Greenland says ‘no more fantasies about annexation’ after Trump remarks
By Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen
Greenland’s leader declared “enough is enough,” and Denmark’s allies in Europe affirmed that the Arctic island’s future must be determined by its people, rebuffing renewed remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump about acquiring the vast territory.
A U.S. military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and Trump’s intention to oversee governance of the oil-rich Latin ΓÇïAmerican country, have rekindled concerns in Denmark that Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, might face a similar scenario.
“Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark must determine the future of Greenland and nobody else,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told reporters. Starmer has sought to stay on good terms with Trump and adopted a less publicly critical approach than most other European leaders.
Trump has repeatedly said he wants to take over Greenland, an ambition first voiced in 2019 during his first presidency. On Sunday, he told The Atlantic magazine in an interview: “We do need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defense.”
Trump renews Greenland ambition
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One early on Monday, Trump said he would revisit the topic in a few weeks.
“Threats, pressure, and talk of annexation have no place between friends,” Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said on Facebook late on Sunday. “Enough is enough. (…) No more fantasies about annexation.”
On December 21, Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland. Landry has publicly expressed support for incorporating Greenland into the United States.
Greenland’s strategic location between Europe and North America makes it a critical site for the U.S. ballistic missile defense system. The island’s significant mineral resources also align with Washington’s ambition to reduce dependence on Chinese exports.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Monday that Greenland belongs to Denmark and suggested NATO could discuss strengthening its protection if necessary.
France also expressed solidarity, saying Greenland belonged to the people of Greenland, while a European Commission spokesperson said that the EU will continue to uphold the principle of national sovereignty.
Support for Denmark and Greenland also came swiftly from all Nordic and Baltic leaders. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Sunday that U.S. comments about needing to take over Greenland made “absolutely no sense.”
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Analysis shows climate impacts will increasingly strain Canada’s Arctic defence infrastructure, Eye on the Arctic
Denmark: Danish intelligence report warns of US military threat under Trump, The Associated Press
Finland: PM: Finland supports Greenland remaining part of Denmark, Yle News
Greenland: As Greenland rejects Starlink, China and Russia tighten military ties, Blog by Mia Bennett
Iceland: NATO chief to Arctic Allies: “We’re all frontline states now,” as Iceland’s role grows, Eye on the Arctic
Norway: “We want to be Europe’s most integrated region in terms of defence”, The Independent Barents Observer
Russia: Russian navy chief accuses NATO of stepping up spying activities in the Arctic, TASS reports, Reuters
Sweden: Sweden critical of Trump’s latest push for Greenland, Radio Sweden
United States: Washington’s new envoy to Denmark pledges more US support for Greenland, Reuters
