European Nations Rally Behind Greenland Amid Fresh U.S. Threats

Copenhagen/Brussels, Jan 6, 2026 — Leading European countries have voiced strong support for Greenland following renewed comments by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting American control over the Arctic island, a self-governing territory of Denmark.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, leaders from France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Denmark stressed that Greenland belongs exclusively to its people and that decisions concerning the island rest solely with Greenland and Denmark. The statement was reported by Reuters.
Trump, who previously floated the idea of purchasing Greenland in 2019, has recently revived the issue, claiming the island is vital to U.S. military security and accusing Denmark of failing to adequately defend it.
Concerns intensified after Washington carried out a military operation in Venezuela last Saturday that led to the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro. European allies fear the United States could pursue a similar coercive approach toward Greenland, though Greenland’s authorities have repeatedly stated they have no desire to become part of the U.S.
European leaders emphasized the importance of collective Arctic security under NATO, while reaffirming respect for international law and territorial sovereignty. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that no NATO member can threaten or attack another, stating that internal conflict would undermine the alliance’s very purpose.
The statement also received backing from Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof.
Tensions were further heightened by comments from White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who dismissed concerns over international law and Danish sovereignty in an interview with CNN, saying global realities are governed by power rather than legal principles. Hours earlier, his wife, Katie Miller, posted an image on social media showing Greenland colored in the U.S. flag with the caption “Coming soon.”
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen welcomed the show of European unity, calling for a “respectful dialogue” with Washington that upholds international law and territorial integrity.
Responding to U.S. criticism of its defense posture, Denmark last year allocated 42 billion Danish kroner (approximately $6.58 billion) to strengthen its military presence in the Arctic region.
Strategically located between Europe and North America, Greenland plays a key role in the U.S. ballistic missile defense system and holds vast mineral resources that could help reduce Washington’s dependence on China.
Trump’s special envoy Jeff Landry later sought to downplay tensions, claiming Trump favors an independent Greenland with strong commercial ties to the United States and does not intend to seize the island by force.