Washington and several European capitals are navigating a renewed diplomatic challenge as former U.S. president Donald Trump‘s reported interest in acquiring Greenland resurfaces, prompting a strong rebuke from NATO allies. Seven nations-Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom-have jointly affirmed Greenland’s sovereignty alongside Denmark, signaling growing international concern over the strategically vital Arctic region.The coordinated response, reported Friday, underscores escalating geopolitical tensions in an area increasingly important for both its natural resources and shifting global power dynamics. Greenland and Denmark have formally requested discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address the matter.
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Seven NATO nations have strongly condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s reported interest in acquiring Greenland, reaffirming the island’s sovereignty alongside Denmark. The unified response underscores increasing international concern over the strategic importance of the Arctic region and the potential for geopolitical friction.
Denmark, joined by France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom, issued a joint statement asserting that Greenland’s future is a matter for the Danish and Greenlandic people to decide, not outside powers. The statement comes amid heightened tensions in the Arctic, a region increasingly vital for its resources and strategic location.
“Greenland is the property of its people. Only Denmark and Greenland have the right to decide issues concerning Denmark and Greenland,” the joint statement read, according to Anadolu Agency, Friday, January 9, 2026.
European leaders emphasized that Arctic security remains a “top priority” for Europe, noting increased investment and activity by European allies to maintain stability in the increasingly strategic region.
“Therefore, security in the Arctic must be achieved collectively with NATO allies, including the United States, upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of borders,” the leaders stated. “These are universal principles, and we will not cease to defend them.”
While rejecting the idea of a takeover, the statement affirmed the United States remains a crucial partner, playing a strategic role both as a NATO ally and through a 1951 defense agreement between the Kingdom of Denmark and the United States.
Nordic nations echoed similar sentiments. The foreign ministers of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden collectively expressed their commitment to maintaining security, stability, and cooperation in the Arctic.
“We have taken steps to enhance deterrence and defense in the region, including through increased capabilities, activity, presence, and situational awareness,” they said in a joint statement.
The ministers voiced support for increased NATO presence and vigilance in the Arctic, stressing that regional security must be based on respect for international law and the fundamental principles of the UN Charter.
Meanwhile, the governments of Greenland and Denmark have requested talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Greenland’s Foreign Minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, said they contacted the U.S. State Department following Trump’s recent comments regarding Greenland.
“We have requested a meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the near future,” Motzfeldt said, adding that Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen is also expected to participate. She indicated that a similar request had been made previously, but a meeting has yet to materialize.
Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to acquire Greenland, the autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, and has not ruled out the possibility of using military force. In response, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen urged Trump to “stop those threats.”
(sef/sef)
