Danish PM says received European support over Trump's Greenland bid

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
28 Jan 2025 22:33

After her meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen affirmed the unified European stance on respecting sovereignty.

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French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen before their talks, Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at the Elysee Palace in Paris. (AP)

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has secured strong backing from European leaders as she counters US President Donald Trump's push to acquire Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory. Trump has long expressed interest in the Arctic island, citing its untapped natural resources and strategic location, but his recent remarks about potentially annexing it have drawn sharp criticism from Denmark and its allies.

Despite Trump's suggestion that Greenland is vital for US "international security," Frederiksen downplayed the likelihood of military escalation. "I have no reason to believe that there is a military threat to Greenland or Denmark," she stated ahead of her meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels. Her comments followed discussions earlier in the day with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

After her meeting with Macron, Frederiksen affirmed the unified European stance on respecting sovereignty. "This is a very, very clear message... that of course there must be respect for territory and the sovereignty of states," she said.

Greenland and Arctic security in focus

Trump has been vocal about his interest in Greenland, recently stating his belief that the United States would "get Greenland," given its increasing strategic importance as Arctic ice melts and opens new maritime routes. However, Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen firmly rejected the idea, saying, "Trump will not have Greenland." He added, "The Greenlandic people are a people, also in the sense of international law."

Frederiksen's diplomatic efforts come amid a heightened focus on Arctic security. Denmark recently announced a 14.6 billion kroner ($2 billion) investment to enhance its presence in the region. This includes deploying new frigates, advanced long-distance drones, and improved satellite technology.

At a Nordic summit over the weekend, Frederiksen highlighted the shared concern among regional leaders. She said they "shared the gravity of the situation," underscoring the strategic importance of the Arctic amid global power shifts.

Tariff threats and diplomatic strain

In Berlin, Chancellor Olaf Scholz joined the chorus of European leaders rejecting Trump's stance, stating, "Borders must not be moved by force." Scholz also called for European unity during these challenging times.

While Greenland relies on Danish subsidies, its officials have reiterated their commitment to autonomy. Prime Minister Mute Egede previously stated that Greenlanders "don't want to be American." Greenland has expressed openness to business with the United States but not at the cost of its independence.

Reports of a tense phone call between Frederiksen and Trump have also emerged. According to European sources, Danish officials described the conversation as "horrendous," with Trump allegedly threatening tariffs to pressure Denmark. Financial Times reported that Denmark's export-heavy economy, reliant on the US as its largest market, could face repercussions if relations sour further.