A coalition of European leaders on Tuesday reaffirmed their support for Denmark following renewed comments by US President Donald Trump regarding Greenland, Denmark’s autonomous Arctic territory.
Leaders from France, Britain, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Denmark emphasized that sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of borders are “universal principles” that must be defended.
Concerns about Greenland have resurfaced amid Washington’s military involvement in Venezuela. The island is rich in untapped rare earth minerals and could become strategically crucial as melting polar ice opens new shipping routes.
Greenland also lies along the shortest missile route between Russia and the United States and already hosts a US military base.
In a Sunday remark, Trump suggested that Greenland could be addressed later, stating, “we’ll worry about Greenland in about two months.”
In response, the European leaders highlighted the importance of Arctic security for international and transatlantic stability. “NATO has made clear that the Arctic region is a priority and European allies are stepping up,” the statement said, noting increased presence, activities, and investments to deter potential adversaries.
The leaders stressed that Denmark, including Greenland, is part of NATO, and that Arctic security must be maintained collectively with NATO allies, including the United States, in line with the UN Charter principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Greenland belongs to its people. Decisions concerning Denmark and Greenland rest solely with them,” the statement concluded.
The joint declaration was signed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. They reaffirmed that the US remains an essential partner in ensuring Arctic security.
