Greenland's future: Prime Minister demands concrete results from Washington
Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens Frederik Nielsen , affirmed that his government expects "tangible" and clear results from the ongoing dialogue with the United States. He made these remarks during his address at the opening of the winter session of the parliament of the Arctic island, which has once again become a focal point of global geopolitics amid growing US interest in expanding its influence there.
“The dialogue has already begun, and the Greenland government will work with determination and perseverance to ensure this process leads to tangible results that serve the interests of our people,” Nielsen told parliament. His remarks come at a time of escalating international competition in the Arctic, as major powers seek to secure a foothold in this resource-rich and strategically located region.
Details of the tripartite talks
As a practical step toward translating this dialogue into action, the first meeting of the Joint Working Group on Greenland was held on January 28 in Washington, D.C. The meeting included a high-level delegation of senior officials from Denmark, Greenland, and the United States, reflecting the complex nature of the trilateral relationship, where Greenland enjoys extensive self-governance while remaining under the Danish Crown in foreign and defense matters.
Commenting on the progress of the talks, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen confirmed the day after the meeting that “things went well, in a very constructive atmosphere,” noting a shared desire to reach understandings that respect everyone’s sovereignty.
The strategic importance of Greenland
These talks are of paramount importance given Greenland's vital geographic location between North America, Europe, and Russia. Washington views the island as a strategic bulwark for US national security, particularly with the presence of Thule Air Base in the north, a key component of the US missile early warning system. Furthermore, the island boasts vast reserves of rare earth minerals essential for modern technology industries, making it both an economic and strategic target.
European support and a firm stance
In the context of diplomatic moves, Nielsen, who met with the French President and the German Chancellor along with the Danish Prime Minister, indicated that talks with President Donald Trump’s administration should proceed in parallel with strengthening “close dialogue with Western countries” and continued cooperation with the European Union.
“We are not alone, and we are protected; all EU countries support us,” Nielsen added confidently. He reiterated the island’s unwavering principle, saying, “Greenland cannot be bought or sold,” a stance he has repeated every time Trump has hinted at his desire to annex the self-governing island, emphasizing that the relationship with Washington must be one of partnership, not acquisition.
Developments in the US and NATO position
These intensive talks between Denmark, Greenland and the United States came after Trump from his earlier threat to seize control by force or buy the island located in the Arctic Circle, statements that had sparked widespread controversy.
The US president's threats regarding Greenland triggered one of the most serious diplomatic crises within NATO since its founding in 1949, with Denmark deeming the proposal "absurd" at the time. However, diplomatic efforts appear to be moving toward de-escalation, as Trump recently announced that he had reached a "framework" agreement with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. While the precise details of this understanding have not been disclosed, it suggests a shift in the US approach toward cooperation rather than unilateral pressure.
