The crisis over Greenland may force Europe to stand up to Donald Trump, as officials warn a US attempt to annex the territory could shatter the Nato alliance. European leaders have largely acquiesced to Trump's demands on defence spending and Ukraine, but the push for Greenland has become a red line over sovereignty.
Danish foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said after talks in Washington: 'The president's ambition is on the table. Of course we have our red lines. You trade with people but you don't trade people.' Greenland's foreign minister Vivian Motzfeldt was visibly emotional after negotiations.
Europe remains at a 'diplomatic disadvantage' due to its security dependence on the US, said former Latvian prime minister Krišjanis Kariņš. 'Europe is not in a strong position to strongly object,' he noted, adding that any trade dispute would likely be met with a harsh US response.
Trump's interest in Greenland, first suggested by friend Ronald Lauder in 2019, has grown. He admitted ego plays a role, telling the New York Times that owning the island is 'psychologically needed for success'. Vice-President JD Vance, seen as eager to confront European allies, joined negotiations.
In response, Europe has sought to counter US arguments about Greenland's vulnerability by deploying a small French military contingent to the island.
