US President Donald Trump is reviving his long-held dream of taking control of Greenland, warning that using the US military is "always an option" to secure the autonomous Danish territory. The move has sparked tensions between Washington and its NATO ally Denmark, which insists on self-governance for the island.
Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has consistently stated that only Greenlanders should decide its future, not foreign powers. He echoed this sentiment after European leaders issued a joint statement calling for collective approach to security in the polar region, emphasizing Arctic security is "critical" for international and transatlantic security.
This latest development comes as Trump hints at making a decision on Greenland within two months, once tensions in Venezuela have subsided. US forces currently occupy a military base on Greenland, which is home to 57,000 people.
Critics point out that Trump's repeated attempts to annex or dominate Greenland are akin to a "broken record." Danish investment in security has been substantial, with the government allocating $14 billion last year alone.
The statement from European leaders underscored Denmark's commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his intention to play down the issue, stating he had made his position clear in the joint statement – although it was unclear what that position is.
French President Emmanuel Macron echoed this sentiment, cautioning against any US move that could compromise Danish sovereignty. Trump's rhetoric has been dismissed as inflammatory, with some experts questioning the US president's priorities and motives behind this renewed push for control over Greenland.
Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has consistently stated that only Greenlanders should decide its future, not foreign powers. He echoed this sentiment after European leaders issued a joint statement calling for collective approach to security in the polar region, emphasizing Arctic security is "critical" for international and transatlantic security.
This latest development comes as Trump hints at making a decision on Greenland within two months, once tensions in Venezuela have subsided. US forces currently occupy a military base on Greenland, which is home to 57,000 people.
Critics point out that Trump's repeated attempts to annex or dominate Greenland are akin to a "broken record." Danish investment in security has been substantial, with the government allocating $14 billion last year alone.
The statement from European leaders underscored Denmark's commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his intention to play down the issue, stating he had made his position clear in the joint statement – although it was unclear what that position is.
French President Emmanuel Macron echoed this sentiment, cautioning against any US move that could compromise Danish sovereignty. Trump's rhetoric has been dismissed as inflammatory, with some experts questioning the US president's priorities and motives behind this renewed push for control over Greenland.