European leaders on Tuesday issued a joint statement rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed threats to seize Greenland from Denmark, insisting that sovereignty and international law must be upheld.
The declaration, signed by the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Denmark, and the United Kingdom, stressed that security in the Arctic must be pursued collectively with NATO allies, including the United States, and in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter — especially respect for sovereignty and the inviolability of borders. While describing the United States as an “essential partner” within NATO, the leaders underscored that “Greenland belongs to its people” and that decisions about the territory’s future rest solely with Denmark and Greenland.
In a separate statement, Greenland’s Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen thanked European leaders for their support and reaffirmed that the territory is not open to annexation. “Our country cannot be annexed or taken over simply because someone wishes it,” he said, adding that support from NATO allies was “important and unequivocal” amid repeated U.S. assertions that America is serious about Greenland.
Trump and senior aides have recently intensified rhetoric portraying Greenland as vital to U.S. national security. His administration has suggested that American interests in the Arctic could justify renewed focus on Greenland’s status, though this has been met with alarm from Europe. The White House has not ruled out military options, heightening concerns among allies.
European worries reportedly escalated after a recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela — including the capture of President Nicolás Maduro — which diplomats fear could signal a willingness to act unilaterally in pursuit of strategic objectives. Danish officials have said the Venezuela operation served as a wake-up call, reinforcing fears that Greenland might be targeted against the wishes of its people.
Criticism of Trump’s statements has also come from within the United States. Republican Representative Don Bacon described the threats as “embarrassing,” saying they undermine trust among NATO allies and benefit global rivals such as Russia and China. “Denigrating our allies serves no purpose,” he said, urging an end to what he called reckless rhetoric toward a NATO partner.
