The Prime Ministers of Denmark and Greenland have delivered a sharp rebuke to former US President Donald Trump, demanding respect for their borders and sovereignty in a strongly-worded joint statement.
A Defiant Response to US Ambitions
The diplomatic firestorm was ignited on Monday, December 22, when Donald Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special US envoy to Greenland. Trump, who has repeatedly expressed a desire for the United States to acquire the vast Arctic island, stated the move was a significant step for national security.
In a swift and unified response, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen issued their statement. "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again," they declared. "National borders and the sovereignty of states are rooted in international law … You cannot annex other countries."
They emphasised the core principle at stake: "Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders, and the US should not take over Greenland. We expect respect for our common territorial integrity."
International Backlash and Diplomatic Fallout
The appointment has triggered significant diplomatic repercussions. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen announced he would summon US Ambassador Kenneth Howery for an explanation, labelling Landry's statement about making Greenland part of the US as "completely unacceptable."
The European Union swiftly voiced its support. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa stated on X that "territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law" and expressed full solidarity with Denmark and Greenland.
This support was echoed by Nordic neighbours:
- Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard affirmed Sweden stands "wholeheartedly behind its neighbour."
- Norwegian Foreign Affairs Minister Espen Barth Eide stressed that respect for sovereignty is a "foundational principle of international law."
A Long-Standing Tension
This incident is the latest in a series of tensions. Since returning to the White House, Trump has not ruled out using military force to gain control of the mineral-rich, strategically crucial island. Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark with a population under 60,000, holds immense importance for Denmark, NATO, and the EU.
In August, Danish officials summoned the US ambassador following reports of covert influence operations in Greenland linked to Trump associates. Earlier this year, Vice President JD Vance visited a US base on the island and criticised Danish investment levels.
A recent report from the Danish Defence Intelligence Service accused the United States of using its economic power to "assert its will" and threaten military force. Despite being NATO allies, the US push for Greenland is also opposed by Russia and much of Europe, setting the stage for an ongoing and contentious diplomatic standoff.
