Danish PM says differences with US over Greenland persist

Oslo: Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Thursday described recent talks with the United States on Greenland as difficult, noting that Washington’s ambition to take over Greenland remains unchanged despite a firm Danish rejection.

In her first comments following Wednesday’s talks in Washington, Frederiksen said in a press release, “It was not an easy meeting, and I would like to thank the two ministers for clearly and distinctly stating the Kingdom’s views and for countering the American claims. That was important.”

Frederiksen confirmed that a working group would be established but underscored the persistent deadlock. “However, that does not change the fact that there is a fundamental disagreement, because the American ambition to take over Greenland is intact,” she said. “It is obviously serious, and therefore we will continue our efforts to prevent that scenario from becoming a reality.”

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt met with US Vice President J D Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio over Greenland on Wednesday in Washington, Xinhua news agency reported. Frederiksen also said, “The defence and protection of Greenland is a common concern for the entire NATO alliance.”

The European Union (EU) and NATO allies have stepped up political and military support for Greenland, as concerns grow over security in the Arctic following recent statements by US President Donald Trump about the strategically important island.

France will send extra “land, air and maritime assets” to Greenland in the coming days, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday during his New Year address to the armed forces at the Istres air base. Earlier in the day, Macron said on X that at Denmark’s request, France had decided to take part in joint exercises organised by Denmark in Greenland, adding that “the first French military elements are already on their way” and that others would follow.

The Dutch Defence Ministry announced on Thursday that the Netherlands will participate in a Denmark-led reconnaissance mission.

The German Ministry of Defence on Wednesday announced that it will participate in a multinational reconnaissance mission in Greenland to assess potential military contributions to regional security. At the invitation of Denmark, a team of 13 personnel from the Bundeswehr, the German armed forces, will join other European nations for the mission in Greenland, according to the ministry.

Also on Wednesday, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that Sweden had sent military personnel to Greenland at Denmark’s request. Norway has also said that it is sending two military staffers to Greenland to “map out the further cooperation between allies.”

Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with Copenhagen retaining control over defense and foreign policy. The United States maintains a military base on the island. Since returning to office in 2025, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to “obtain” Greenland and has recently ramped up his threat.

IANS