Trump says Greenland is essential for US national security

Trump says Greenland is essential for US national security, Denmark reacts sharply

President of the United States Donald Trump said that the United States «needs Greenland for national security reasons», adding that the European Union is also allegedly interested in keeping the island under US control.

«We need Greenland for national security, and the European Union needs us to have it, and they know it,» Trump said, emphasising the island's strategic importance.

He also commented ironically on Denmark's steps to strengthen Greenland's security, saying that Copenhagen had «added another sled with dogs», calling it «a great move».

Denmark's response

Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen strongly condemned the US President's remarks on possible claims to Greenland.

«It is absolutely ridiculous to say that the US should take over Greenland. The United States has no right to annex any of the three countries of the Danish Kingdom,» Frederiksen said.

Support from Europe

Other European leaders also spoke out in defence of Denmark. The President of Finland Alexander Stubb said that the decisions on Greenland and Denmark are up to them, adding that Copenhagen has Helsinki's full support.

Stubb's position was supported by the Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gar Støre, The President of Ukraine stressed the respect for the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark.

Context.

Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, is of strategic importance due to its location in the Arctic, NATO military infrastructure and access to natural resources. It is not the first time that Donald Trump's statements about possible US control over the island have provoked a sharp reaction in Europe and highlighted tensions in transatlantic relations.