European leaders oppose Trump’s renewed interest in Greenland

European leaders issued a joint statement on Tuesday to react against the American president. Donald TrumpIt is renewed interest in Greenlandaffirming that security in the Arctic must be ensured collectively.

“The Kingdom of Denmark – including Greenland – is part of NATO,” the statement said, according to a letter published by the Danish Prime Minister’s Office on

“Security in the Arctic must therefore be achieved collectively, in collaboration with NATO allies, including the United States, by upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders. These are universal principles and we will not stop defending them,” they continued.

“Greenland belongs to its people. It is up to Denmark and Greenland, and them alone, to decide matters concerning Denmark and Greenland.”

The letter was signed by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as well as the leaders of Italy, Spain and Poland.

The coordinated message, which also describes the United States as “a critical partner” in the fight for Arctic security, comes as Trump once again sets his sights on the vast, rich in minerals and a sparsely populated territory.

The US president, who has long advocated for control of the self-governing Danish territory, told NBC News on Monday that he was “very serious” about acquiring Greenland. Trump also said he had “no timetable” for doing so.

The alarm bells have been sounded in Denmark, responsible for the defense of Greenland, because Trump’s comments follow those of Washington. major military operation in Venezuela.

Denmark’s Frederiksen previously warned that a US takeover of Greenland would amount to the end of the NATO military alliance.

“I think the American president should be taken seriously when he says he wants Greenland,” Frederiksen told Danish broadcaster TV2 on Monday, according to a CNBC translation.

“But I also want to make it clear that if the United States chooses to militarily attack another NATO country, then everything will stop. That is, including our NATO and therefore the security that has been ensured since the end of World War II,” she added.

Greenland’s prime minister, meanwhile, sought to downplay Trump’s rhetoric, saying the territory intended to reestablish “good cooperation” with Washington.

“The situation is not such that the United States can simply conquer Greenland,” Nielsen of Greenland said at a news conference Monday.

Speaking to CNBC Silvia Amaro Before EU leaders issued their joint statement, EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius said the European Union stood with Denmark in the face of ongoing tensions in Greenland.

“I agree with Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen when she said that if things develop to the point that the Americans take action against Greenland, it will be the end of the transatlantic partnership,” Kubilius said on Tuesday.

“So this is very serious and I hope that the Americans will also take their actions seriously. And from this point of view, our position is very clear,” he added.