Faced with Trump's threats over Greenland, Denmark's leader seeks support from her EU partners

The Danish Prime Minister firmly stated on Monday that Greenland is not for sale and called for a strong response from EU partners to address US President Donald Trump's threats to take control of the island. "I would never support the idea of confronting allies. But of course, if the US imposes harsh conditions on Europe, we need a collective and strong response," Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told reporters in Brussels during EU leaders' defense talks.

Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, a long-time US ally, hosts a large US military base. Last month, Trump suggested that the US military might be used to secure Greenland, as well as the Panama Canal. "We need Greenland for national security," he stated.

Frederiksen said she received "strong support" from EU partners, who all agreed that "everyone must respect the sovereignty of all countries in the world, and Greenland is now part of the Kingdom of Denmark. It is part of our territory and not for sale." She acknowledged US concerns about security in the Arctic region, given the increasing activity of Russia and China in the area.

"I completely agree with the Americans that the High North, the Arctic region, is becoming more and more important when we talk about defense, security, and deterrence," Frederiksen said. She added that the US and Denmark could have an "even stronger footprint" in Greenland regarding security. "They are already there, and they can have more possibilities," she said, also emphasizing that Denmark itself could "expand" its security presence. "If it is to ensure security in our region, we can find a way forward," Frederiksen stated.

Last week, her government announced an agreement with various parties, including the governments of Greenland and the Faroe Islands, worth approximately 14.6 billion kroner (about A$3.25 billion) to "improve the capacity to conduct surveillance and maintain sovereignty in the region." The Copenhagen Ministry of Defense said this would include three new Arctic naval vessels, two additional long-range surveillance drones, and satellite capabilities. Frederiksen's remarks were made during EU leaders' defense talks, but Trump has not yet made clear how he intends to end Russia's war in Ukraine.

Europeans fear that any attempt to reach a quick agreement will be detrimental to Ukraine. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte will meet with the 27 EU leaders at what is being billed as a "retreat" at the Egmont Palace in the Belgian capital. The summit agenda focuses on EU-US cooperation, military spending, and strengthening the European defense industry. The meeting comes as the largest land conflict in Europe since World War II approaches its third anniversary, and amid wavering confidence in Trump due to his threats to impose tariffs on allies.

Trump already imposed tariffs on European steel and aluminum during his first term. "We are listening very carefully to these words, and of course, we are preparing on our side as well," said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. But she emphasized, "There are no winners in a trade war. If… the US starts a trade war, then the one laughing on the sidelines is China. Our connections are very close."