Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has reiterated that Greenland is “not for sale” to the United States, but said that Denmark is willing to allow the U.S. to expand its influence on the island.
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark. U.S. President Donald Trump has said that he aims to acquire Greenland, which both Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Múte Egede have opposed.
“Greenland is today a part of the kingdom of Denmark. It is part of our territory, and it's not for sale,” said Frederiksen ahead of a European Union meeting.
“I fully agree with the Americans that the High North and the Arctic region are gaining in importance when it comes to defence, security and deterrence,” she said. “And it is possible to find a way to have a stronger footprint in Greenland.”
Frederiksen also said that NATO is interested in expanding in the region. Denmark will invest another EU€2 billion into defence in the Arctic, Frederiksen’s government announced last week.
The U.S. currently maintains military bases in Greenland. Trump has said he wishes to annex the territory, threatening Denmark with tariffs and refusing to rule out military force.
E.U. leaders, along with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, met to discuss defence spending and E.U.-U.S. collaboration in Brussels.
Trump said today that he would soon impose tariffs on the E.U., following the addition of a 25% tariff on items from Mexico and Canada.
