Denmark's foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen has described US control of Greenland as 'absolutely not necessary' following talks with Vice President JD Vance in Washington. Speaking after the meeting, Rasmussen acknowledged a 'new security situation' in the Arctic but stressed that American acquisition was not the answer.
Rasmussen, alongside Greenland's foreign minister Vivian Motzfeldt, held what he called 'frank' discussions with Vance. He said the meeting was constructive but admitted that 'we didn't manage to change the US position' on President Donald Trump's stated wish to 'conquer' Greenland. The Danish minister underlined that such a move was not in the interest of the Kingdom of Denmark.
In a show of European solidarity, France, Germany and Norway have pledged to contribute troops to a multinational force led by Denmark, which will increase military presence in and around Greenland. Germany confirmed it would deploy a 13-strong Bundeswehr reconnaissance team to explore conditions for potential military contributions. The European Parliament leaders issued a statement condemning any attempt to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Denmark and Greenland.
The two sides agreed to establish a working group to address American security concerns while respecting Danish red lines. Rasmussen emphasised the need for 'respectful' cooperation, urging Washington to engage constructively rather than through threats.
