Danish PM wants boosted US ‘footprint’ in Greenland, but island ‘not for sale’
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated on Monday that Greenland is “not for sale,” firmly rejecting any notion of the Arctic island being acquired through military or economic force. Despite this stance, Frederiksen expressed openness to enhancing the American presence in Greenland, emphasizing the importance of respecting the sovereignty of all nations.
Addressing President Donald Trump’s interest in acquiring control of Greenland, Frederiksen emphasized that Greenland is an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark and not available for purchase. She highlighted the support from European partners and the European Union in upholding the sovereignty of Greenland and Denmark.
Frederiksen acknowledged the strategic significance of the Arctic region, particularly in terms of defense, security, and deterrence. With China and Russia increasing their activities in the region, she emphasized the need to strengthen defense capabilities in Greenland. The Prime Minister indicated that Denmark would welcome the deployment of more troops to Greenland, building on the existing U.S. Space Force presence on the island.
In response to Trump’s threats of imposing tariffs on imports from the European Union, Frederiksen emphasized the importance of unity among EU members in the face of such challenges. She underlined the need for a collective and robust response to any trade disputes with the U.S., while reaffirming the EU’s commitment to supporting its allies.
Last week, Denmark announced a significant agreement aimed at enhancing surveillance and sovereignty in the Arctic region, including the acquisition of new naval vessels and surveillance drones. This initiative reflects Denmark’s proactive approach to safeguarding its interests in the Arctic amid growing geopolitical tensions.
Frederiksen also addressed Vice President JD Vance’s criticism of Denmark’s role as an ally, asserting that Denmark has been a steadfast partner to the United States for many decades. She emphasized the importance of cooperation in addressing shared security challenges, including terrorism and regional destabilization.
Overall, Frederiksen’s remarks underscored Denmark’s commitment to protecting its territorial integrity and collaborating with allies to ensure security and stability in the Arctic region. Despite differing views on certain issues, the Prime Minister reiterated Denmark’s strong partnership with the United States and the European Union in addressing common challenges and promoting mutual interests.
