The European Union supports Denmark against Trump's ambitions in Greenland
The European Union on Monday expressed its firm stance and full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland, in a direct response to recent US actions that revealed President Donald Trump's ambitions toward the self-governing Danish territory. This European support serves as a clear political message affirming respect for the national sovereignty of the bloc's member states.
In a joint statement released via the X platform, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa emphasized that "territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental and enduring principles of international law." The two European officials added that respect for these principles is not only important for the European Union but also a cornerstone of stability in the entire global order. This statement came in response to the US president's decision to appoint a special envoy to Greenland, amidst previous hints of a possible annexation.
Anger in Copenhagen and the ambassador is summoned
In Denmark, the American move was met with staunch rejection and diplomatic outrage. Copenhagen condemned Washington's appointment of a special envoy to Greenland, deeming it unacceptable interference in its sovereign affairs. The Danish government confirmed its intention to summon the US ambassador to lodge a formal protest and demand immediate clarification.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen told local TV2, in sharp terms, "I am outraged by the appointment and the statement issued, and I consider this completely unacceptable." He indicated that the Foreign Ministry would summon the US ambassador in the coming days to understand the background of this decision, which affects Danish territorial integrity.
Background of American ambitions and strategic importance
This crisis is not a recent development; its roots trace back to Donald Trump's first presidential term in 2019, when he openly expressed his desire to purchase Greenland, describing it as a "great real estate deal." This sparked a diplomatic crisis that led to the cancellation of a planned state visit to Denmark after Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen dismissed the idea as "absurd.".
Greenland, the world's largest island, possesses immense geopolitical and strategic importance, attracting the attention of major powers. Its vital location in the Arctic region and its vast untapped natural resources, including rare earth minerals essential for modern technology industries, as well as oil and gas reserves, make it a prime target.
Furthermore, American interest in the island is linked to military and security considerations. Greenland hosts Thule Air Base, the northernmost US military base, which plays a pivotal role in the ballistic missile early warning system and space surveillance. With the melting of ice and the opening of new shipping lanes in the Arctic, international competition between the United States, Russia, and China for influence in the region is intensifying, explaining the renewed American determination to strengthen control or direct influence over the island.
