U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited diplomatic tensions by reaffirming his administration's interest in acquiring Greenland, calling it vital for national security. The announcement comes as Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, appointed Sunday as Trump's special envoy to the Arctic territory, faces sharp criticism from European leaders.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland's Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen issued a joint statement Monday declaring: "Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders. You cannot annex another country – not even with an argument about international security." The leaders emphasized that the island's 57,000 residents retain full decision-making authority under their 2009 self-governance agreement with Denmark.
The European Commission reinforced its support for Copenhagen, with President Ursula von der Leyen stating: "Territorial integrity remains a cornerstone of international law. The EU stands firmly with our Danish partners and Greenland's people." The dispute coincides with the Trump administration's suspension of offshore wind projects involving Danish energy firm Orsted, escalating economic pressures.
Analysts suggest Greenland's strategic position – hosting a key U.S. missile defense site – and untapped mineral resources drive Washington's interest. While Trump claims the move would reduce foreign export dependencies, critics warn it undermines decades of Arctic cooperation frameworks.
