Greenland's government announced on Monday that it will ramp up efforts to ensure the defense of the Arctic territory occurs under NATO's umbrella. The statement came from the island's coalition government, which firmly rejected US President Donald Trump's ambition to take over Greenland.
Greenland's Stance on Defense and Sovereignty
In a clear declaration, the government emphasized that all NATO member states, including the United States, share a common interest in defending Greenland. The government stated it cannot accept any US takeover of the island. Greenland, as an autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark, is a member of NATO, and its defense must be conducted through this alliance.
Trump's Ambitions and Strategic Concerns
President Trump has previously expressed a desire for the US to own Greenland. He argued this move is necessary to prevent Russia or China from occupying the strategically located and mineral-rich territory in the future. However, Greenland's government has dismissed this idea, reinforcing its commitment to NATO-led defense.
International Reactions and NATO's Role
EU Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius commented earlier on Monday, warning that any US military takeover of Greenland could signal the end of NATO. Meanwhile, NATO chief Mark Rutte noted that member countries are actively discussing next steps to collectively ensure Arctic safety. This dialogue reflects ongoing efforts among allies to address concerns raised by Trump.
The situation highlights Greenland's determination to maintain its autonomy while strengthening international cooperation through NATO for Arctic security.
