The European Union has offered to bolster security cooperation with Greenland through Denmark, as transatlantic tensions rise over Arctic sovereignty. European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius stated on January 12 that EU member states could deploy troops and enhance military infrastructure in Greenland if requested, while warning that any forced U.S. takeover would "end NATO."
Kubilius emphasized Article 42.7 of the EU treaty during remarks at Sweden's Sälen Security Conference, affirming mutual defense obligations between member states. His comments come as Danish and U.S. officials prepare for critical talks this week regarding Greenland's status, following repeated assertions from Copenhagen and Nuuk that the territory is not for sale.
Seven European leaders recently issued a joint declaration reaffirming that decisions about Greenland rest solely with Denmark and its autonomous territory. The statement highlighted NATO'S designation of the Arctic as a priority zone, with European members expanding regional military presence through upgraded naval facilities and drone surveillance networks.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson separately criticized what he called "threatening rhetoric" from U.S. leadership, urging Washington to respect alliances. The Sälen conference, organized by Swedish civil defense group Folk och Försvar, has become a key platform for addressing Arctic security challenges since 1946.
