European leaders moved swiftly to underline Greenland’s sovereignty after renewed comments by U.S. President Donald Trump about taking over the Arctic island. In a rare joint statement, leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Britain, and Denmark said the territory belongs solely to its people and cannot be claimed by any outside power.
The statement came amid growing unease in Europe following recent U.S. military actions elsewhere and Trump’s repeated assertions that Greenland holds strategic importance for American defence interests.
‘Greenland Belongs to Its People,’ European Leaders Say
The leaders issued a clear and unified message on who decides Greenland’s future. “Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland,” the statement said.
Although the declaration did not directly name the United States, it strongly emphasised respect for international law and the principles of sovereignty outlined in the United Nations Charter.
The coordinated response reflects Europe’s growing concern that geopolitical competition in the Arctic could spill over into open confrontation.
Why Greenland Matters Strategically
Greenland holds immense strategic value due to its location between Europe and North America. The island plays a key role in the U.S. ballistic missile defence system and sits at the crossroads of Arctic shipping routes.
Beyond defence, Greenland’s mineral resources have drawn global attention, particularly as major powers seek to reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains. With a population of just 57,000 people, the world’s largest island has suddenly become central to global strategic calculations.
Trump’s Comments Spark Fresh Anxiety Among NATO Allies
Trump reignited the debate over Greenland after telling The Atlantic, “We do need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defence.”
His remarks followed a U.S. military operation that led to the capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro, prompting fears among European allies that Washington could take similarly aggressive steps elsewhere.
Those concerns added urgency to Europe’s statement, which stressed that Arctic security must be handled collectively rather than through unilateral action.
NATO and Arctic Security in Focus
European leaders highlighted NATO’s role in maintaining stability in the Arctic. “NATO has made clear that the Arctic region is a priority and European Allies are stepping up,” the statement said. “We and many other Allies have increased our presence, activities, and investments, to keep the Arctic safe and to deter adversaries.”
Although Greenland is not an independent NATO member, it falls under Denmark’s NATO umbrella, making any security issue there a matter of alliance-wide concern.
Greenland PM Plays Down Takeover Fears
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen sought to reassure citizens, saying his government aimed to strengthen ties with the United States while rejecting fears of an imminent takeover.
He stressed that cooperation with Washington does not undermine Greenland’s right to self-determination and that dialogue remains the preferred path forward.
Europe Draws a Red Line in the Arctic
Beyond Greenland itself, the joint statement signals a broader shift in Europe’s posture. By responding collectively, European powers appear determined to prevent unilateral moves in sensitive regions like the Arctic.
The message is clear: while Europe values its alliance with the United States, it will firmly defend sovereignty, borders, and international rules. As competition intensifies in the Arctic, Greenland has become not just a territory—but a test of how global power is exercised in a rapidly changing world.
