Seven European leaders issued a historic joint statement on Tuesday reaffirming Greenland's sovereignty, declaring that decisions about the autonomous Danish territory "belong to its people" and must be resolved exclusively between Denmark and Greenland. The declaration comes amid heightened geopolitical interest in the Arctic region and renewed U.S. engagement under President Donald Trump.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen joined counterparts from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the UK in emphasizing that "security in the Arctic must be achieved collectively with NATO allies" while upholding UN Charter principles of territorial integrity. The statement highlights Europe's growing focus on Arctic security as climate change opens new shipping routes and resource exploration opportunities.
This diplomatic move follows increased U.S. activity in the region, including President Trump's recent comments about Greenland's strategic importance and his 2025 appointment of a special envoy to the territory. European leaders specifically referenced the 1951 U.S.-Denmark defense agreement while asserting NATO's central role in regional stability.
Analysts suggest the statement serves as both a reassurance to Greenland's population of 56,000 and a strategic response to shifting power dynamics in the rapidly changing Arctic landscape. With NATO members accounting for 75% of Arctic Council observer states, the declaration underscores Europe's determination to shape the region's future through multilateral cooperation.
