The Greenland U.S. dispute has sparked strong European opposition to Donald Trump’s claims over the island. The EU has pledged full support for Denmark and rejected negotiations with the U.S. over Greenland’s sovereignty. European leaders are ready to defend Denmark if needed.
Europe Unites to Counter U.S. Expansionist Pressure
The European Union has taken a stronger stance against former U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated threats to seize Greenland, even through military action. Trump’s latest comments over the weekend left little doubt about his determination.
“I think we’re going to have it,” Trump stated, questioning Denmark’s claim to Greenland. He suggested that refusing U.S. control would be an “unfriendly act” and framed the move as necessary “for the protection of the free world.”
Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, holds strategic importance due to its Arctic location and vast mineral resources. As climate change opens new maritime routes and resource opportunities, its geopolitical value continues to rise. While Greenland is not part of the EU, its residents enjoy EU citizenship and access to funding. Crucially, the EU’s mutual defense clause under Article 42.7 guarantees collective military support for Denmark in case of armed aggression.
“Borders may not be moved by force—whoever needs to hear this,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz remarked after meeting Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. He reaffirmed that territorial integrity is a fundamental principle of international law.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot pledged France’s full support for Denmark, should it invoke the EU’s solidarity mechanisms. Meanwhile, European Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius declared, “We are ready to defend our member state, Denmark.”
EU Rejects Negotiations, Strengthens Defense
In a decisive shift from initial cautious reactions, the EU has abandoned its earlier diplomatic restraint. High Representative Kaja Kallas dismissed the idea of bargaining over Greenland with the U.S., saying, “No, we are not negotiating on Greenland. We fully support Denmark and its autonomous region.”
While acknowledging Trump’s transactional approach to diplomacy, Kallas emphasized the EU’s own economic and geopolitical strength. “We should not underestimate our power. We are not just following orders; we are a global economic force interlinked with America,” she stated.
Denmark is already reinforcing its military capabilities in response to Trump’s aggressive rhetoric. The Danish government announced a defense budget increase of 14.6 billion kroner (€1.95 billion) to bolster its presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic.
Prime Minister Frederiksen, recognizing the broader implications, has met with European leaders including Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to consolidate political support. “Europe is facing serious challenges, from war on our continent to shifting geopolitical realities. In moments like this, unity is essential,” she warned.
Tense Phone Call Raises Alarm in Europe
Concerns over a potential U.S. takeover of Greenland intensified after reports surfaced about a heated 45-minute phone call between Trump and Frederiksen. According to sources cited by The Financial Times and The New York Times, the conversation was “icy,” “aggressive,” and “horrendous.” Trump allegedly insisted on taking over Greenland, while Frederiksen firmly rejected the idea, stating the island was not for sale.
Although the Danish government downplayed the tension, the incident has propelled Greenland’s status to the top of the EU’s security agenda. The upcoming informal summit of EU leaders in Brussels will likely focus on defense and transatlantic relations, with Denmark’s sovereignty looming as a critical issue.
With Trump doubling down on his claims, European leaders are preparing for a more assertive stance to safeguard Greenland and uphold territorial integrity. The EU’s message is clear: Greenland is not up for negotiation, and any attempt to seize it by force will be met with collective resistance.