Denmark has taken the extraordinary step of summoning a senior US diplomat in Copenhagen following explosive allegations of a covert American influence operation targeting Greenland. The move signals a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two NATO allies over activities in the strategically vital Arctic region.
The Danish foreign ministry confirmed it had called in the US charge d'affaires after reports emerged detailing a suspected campaign to shape Greenlandic public opinion and political decision-making. While full details remain classified, the operation is believed to have involved efforts to sway sentiment on key issues affecting Greenland's development and international relations.
This diplomatic confrontation strikes at the heart of Greenland's delicate position within the Kingdom of Denmark. While Copenhagen handles foreign and defence policy, the vast Arctic territory has its own elected government and is moving steadily toward greater independence.
The alleged US activities have raised serious concerns about respecting Greenland's autonomy and the integrity of its political processes. Danish officials have emphasised that any external interference in Greenland's affairs is completely unacceptable.
Greenland's strategic importance has grown dramatically in recent years due to climate change opening new Arctic shipping routes and access to valuable mineral resources. This has turned the island into a focal point for global powers, including China and Russia, alongside traditional allies like the United States.
The diplomatic summons represents one of the most public rifts between Denmark and the US in recent memory. It comes amid increasing great power competition in the Arctic region, where melting ice is creating new economic opportunities and security challenges.
Neither government has disclosed specific details about the alleged influence campaign or what corrective actions Denmark is demanding. However, the public nature of the diplomatic rebuke suggests Copenhagen considers the matter particularly grave.
This incident may have far-reaching implications for Arctic cooperation and could potentially strain intelligence sharing and defence arrangements between the two allies. It also highlights the challenges smaller nations face in navigating great power competition in their territories.
