Greenland rejects Trump's attempts to seize it and remains committed to NATO
In a new escalation of diplomatic tensions over the future of the Arctic, the Greenland government on Monday issued a firm statement rejecting any US attempts to seize its vast territory. The government asserted that the island is not for sale and that it will intensify its diplomatic and strategic efforts to ensure the defense of its sovereignty within the framework of existing international alliances, particularly through NATO .
The official government statement said that “the United States has repeatedly sought to seize Greenland, something the island’s governing coalition cannot accept in any way,” stressing that partnership does not mean giving up the land.
The strategic and economic importance of Greenland
Greenland is gaining increasing strategic importance that extends far beyond its vast geographical size. The world's largest island is situated in a vital location between the Arctic and the Atlantic Ocean, making it a crucial military and maritime hub, especially as melting ice opens new shipping lanes. Furthermore, Greenland is rich in vast untapped natural resources, including rare earth minerals, oil, gas, and uranium, making it a target for major powers, particularly the United States, China, and Russia.
A history of American attempts
It is worth noting that American interest in annexing Greenland is not a recent development, nor is it limited to the era of President Donald Trump. In 1946, US President Harry Truman offered Denmark $100 million in gold to purchase the island, given its geopolitical importance during the Cold War. The United States already maintains a military presence there through Thule Air Base, a key component of the US ballistic missile early warning system. However, transforming this military presence into full sovereignty faces staunch opposition from the island's inhabitants and the Danish government.
Broad European support in the face of pressure
In the context of international reactions, last week saw widespread European solidarity with Greenland. France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement declaring their full support for Greenland and Denmark in response to statements made by US President Donald Trump.
The government responded to this support by saying: “In light of the very positive attitude expressed by six NATO member states towards Greenland, the government will intensify its efforts to more closely integrate the defense of Greenland within the NATO framework,” reflecting the island’s desire to take shelter under the alliance’s collective umbrella rather than be subject to the influence of a single country.
The future of relations and sovereignty
The government of Jens-Frederik Nielsen stressed that Greenland has a “permanent intention to be part of the Western defense alliance,” but as a sovereign partner, not as a dependent territory. This comes as US President Donald Trump asserted on Sunday that the United States would annex Greenland “one way or another,” acknowledging in previous statements that he might have to choose between preserving NATO unity and achieving his goal of controlling the island, thus placing transatlantic relations under serious scrutiny.
