Denmark has sounded a sharp warning over the future of Greenland, describing the situation as a defining test amid renewed threats from US President Donald Trump.
The remarks, which have drawn swift support from European allies, and have raised wider concerns about Arctic security and international law.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Denmark is facing a “decisive moment” following comments by Trump suggesting the United States could seize Greenland by force.
Speaking ahead of high-level meetings in Washington, DC, she stressed that the issue now goes far beyond the Arctic island itself.
“This is a decisive moment,” Frederiksen said during a debate with other Danish political leaders, noting that an open conflict has emerged over Greenland’s future. She added that the implications stretch well beyond Denmark and Greenland, touching on global stability.
Moreover, in a social media post, Frederiksen said Denmark was “ready to defend our values, wherever it is necessary also in the Arctic.”
She added that Denmark believes firmly in international law and the right of peoples to self-determination. Those principles, she said, cannot be ignored despite growing competition for resources.
Meanwhile, European leaders moved quickly to back Denmark. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson condemned what he called threatening language from Washington. This followed Trump’s statement that the United States would “do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not.”
“Sweden, the Nordic countries, the Baltic states and several major European nations stand together with our Danish friends,” Kristersson said at a defence conference attended by NATO’s top US general.
He warned that any forced takeover would violate international law and set a risky example globally.
Germany also restated its support for Denmark and Greenland. German officials said Arctic security is becoming more critical and forms part of NATO’s shared strategic concerns.
Furthermore, reports from the United Kingdom suggest European military leaders are discussing contingency plans for a possible NATO mission in Greenland.
These early talks reportedly include troop, warship, and aircraft deployments if tensions worsen.
UK officials described such discussions as routine, especially as Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic continues to grow.
Belgium’s defence minister has also called for a NATO Arctic mission, arguing that unity remains essential.
Trump, however, has repeatedly claimed that US control of Greenland is vital to American national security.
He has pointed to rising Russian and Chinese influence in the region.
Greenland sovereignty has therefore become a central issue in global power politics.
Greenland, a former Danish colony until 1953, later gained home rule and expanded autonomy.
While independence debates continue locally, opinion polls show strong opposition to any US takeover.
