Donald Trump revived his ambition to seize Greenland after arriving in Ankara for the annual NATO summit, forcing Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to again defend Denmark’s integrity against one of its own military allies. Trump stated Greenland “should be controlled by the United States, not by Denmark.” He added that “Greenland doesn't help Denmark. Denmark doesn't spend money to really help Greenland.” The next day, he reiterated, “Greenland is very important for the United States, but it's not important for Denmark. I'm not happy with NATO for what they did with Greenland.”
Frederiksen told reporters in Ankara that Denmark’s position is clear: “Greenland is not for sale.” She emphasized the need for all allies to respect “the Greenlandic people's right to self-determination.” The Prime Minister also affirmed Denmark’s readiness to “defend every inch of NATO, including our own territory.”
A Challenge to National Integrity
These remarks immediately made front pages worldwide, reviving fears in Europe about the durability of transatlantic security ties. The episode recalled a similar incident six months ago, in January, when Trump threatened to impose a 10% tariff on eight European countries. This was an attempt to pressure Denmark into relinquishing Greenland. That dispute lasted five days and brought the transatlantic alliance closer to collapse than at any time in its 77-year history.
The EU, which shares 23 members with NATO, convened an emergency summit of leaders at the time. They prepared for what could have become a full-scale trade war, demonstrating Europe’s economic vulnerability. The clash was later defused by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who met Trump in Davos, Switzerland, and struck a “framework deal” to enhance security in Greenland and the entire Arctic region.
Since then, Denmark and Greenland have discreetly pursued trilateral talks with the White House to find a new common understanding on the island. Greenland is still governed by a 1951 bilateral defence agreement, now 75 years old. This diplomatic track has moved slowly and has yet to deliver any tangible results.
Brussels' Limited Response
Two months ago, in May, the New York Times reported that the US was pushing to secure a “forever clause” on military deployments and veto power over new investments. These requests directly challenge Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland, undermining national control. On Tuesday, Rutte promised to “make sure the deal is step-by-step implemented” so that Trump can eventually install the Golden Dome on Greenland, a multi-layer, multi-billion-dollar defence system in early development.
Danish officials privately warn that the White House can still resort to alternative methods to advance annexation through non-military means. They urge their European peers to stay on high alert rather than fall into complacency. The European Commission stated that “Territorial integrity, national sovereignty and inviolability of borders are fundamental principles of international law.” It added that “They are essential not only for the European Union, but for nations around the world. We will not stop defending them, and the EU stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland.”
The Cost of Dependence
The Commission is updating its Arctic security strategy to strengthen the European presence in the region and expand investments. This move aims to counter Trump’s long-running complaint that the continent isn't pulling its weight. President Ursula von der Leyen initially planned to visit Greenland four months ago, in March, to unveil a beefed-up financial package. However, the trip was indefinitely postponed after Frederiksen called for snap elections, leaving the visit still under consideration.
Tiago Antunes, an associate senior fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), commented on Trump’s arguments. He said, “From a geopolitical, strategic, or even economic standpoint, President Trump's arguments for the need to secure US ownership of Greenland simply don't hold up.” Antunes added that Trump’s “fixation on Greenland looks like nothing more than a real estate impulse.” This situation is deeply troubling for a defence alliance when one of its own members insists on taking control of an ally's territory, undermining the very trust the alliance is built on. Europe's reliance on such alliances leaves its national territories vulnerable to external pressures and demands. The question remains: who truly controls Europe's borders and its future?.