The European Union responds to Trump regarding the purchase of Greenland: Sovereignty is a red line
The European Union reaffirmed on Monday its unwavering commitment to respecting the principle of territorial integrity and national sovereignty, in an indirect but firm response to US President Donald Trump's renewed call for the annexation of Greenland, a territory of the Danish crown. This stance has once again highlighted the diplomatic tensions that such statements can ignite across the Atlantic.
Anita Heber, the EU's foreign policy spokesperson, told reporters in no uncertain terms: "The EU will continue to uphold the principles of national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of borders." Emphasizing the universality of these principles, Heber added: "These are universal principles, and we will not cease to defend them, especially when it comes to the territorial integrity of an EU member state," a clear reference to Denmark, under whose sovereignty Greenland enjoys self-governance.
Historical background: This is not the first time
These statements are not new for US President Donald Trump. In 2019, during his first term, he sparked widespread controversy when he expressed interest in purchasing the vast Arctic island. At the time, the proposal was met with outright rejection and ridicule from officials in Denmark and Greenland, with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen describing the idea as “absurd.” This rejection led to Trump canceling a planned state visit to Denmark, causing a temporary strain in diplomatic relations between the two allied nations.
The strategic importance of Greenland
Greenland's geopolitical and strategic importance extends far beyond its icy expanse. Situated at the vital crossroads of the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, it is home to Thule Air Force Base, the northernmost US military base and a key player in the missile early warning system and space surveillance. Furthermore, with the melting ice due to climate change, the island has become a focus of attention for major powers because of its vast natural resources, including rare earth minerals, oil, and gas, as well as the potential for opening new shipping lanes.
Repercussions of the European position
The European Union's statement reaffirms its unity in the face of any proposals that might infringe upon the sovereignty of its member states. Observers believe that the renewed discussion of Greenland's annexation reflects the escalating international competition in the Arctic, where the United States seeks to bolster its influence in the face of growing Russian and Chinese presence. However, the European response establishes diplomatic red lines, emphasizing that strategic alliances do not imply relinquishing national sovereignty and that dealings with allies must adhere to established international norms and laws.
