European leaders have united to address U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring Greenland, emphasizing that Arctic security must be a collective effort. In a joint statement released on March 11, 2025, coinciding with Greenland’s legislative elections, leaders asserted that the Kingdom of Denmark-including Greenland-remains integral to NATO. The statement clearly outlined that Arctic security should be achieved collaboratively with NATO allies, including the United States, upholding the principles of the UN Charter related to sovereignty, territorial integrity, and inviolability of borders.
“This is a universal principle, and we will defend it,” the letter read. “Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland to make decisions regarding their territories.” This strong message was endorsed by key European leaders, including Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside the leaders of Italy, Spain, and Poland.
The leaders’ coordinated response comes amid Trump’s reassertion of his ambitions for Greenland. In an interview with NBC News, Trump expressed he was “very serious” about his interest in acquiring the autonomous Danish territory but did not provide a timeline for any potential move. His remarks have raised alarm in Denmark, which holds defense responsibilities for Greenland, especially in light of recent U.S. military actions in Venezuela.
Frederiksen indicated the gravity of Trump’s claims, stating, “I believe that the U.S. president should be taken seriously when he says that he wants Greenland.” She further warned that any military aggression by the United States against another NATO ally could destabilize the fundamental security framework established since WWII. “If the United States chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops,” she added, highlighting the potential ramifications for NATO unity.
The joint declaration serves as not just a warning but a reminder of the importance of cooperation in Arctic matters, particularly as global attention turns to the region’s strategic significance amidst rising geopolitical tensions. The leaders pledged to uphold their collective commitment to preserving the rights and interests of both Greenland and its people.
As the situation continues to evolve, this breaking news story will be updated as more information becomes available. The stakes are high, not just for Denmark and Greenland but for international relations in the Arctic and the integrity of NATO itself.
Original Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/06/european-leaders-push-back-over-trumps-renewed-greenland-interest.html
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Publish Date: 2026-01-06 17:37:00
