- Prime Minister Frederiksen Says Greenland ‘Is Not for Sale’ as Nordic Leaders Urge Respect for Territorial Integrity and Alliance Unity
ANKARA: Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Wednesday firmly rejected renewed remarks by US President Donald Trump suggesting that the United States should take control of Greenland, stressing that the autonomous Arctic territory is not for sale and that its future rests solely with its people.
Speaking ahead of the NATO leaders’ summit in Ankara, Frederiksen emphasized Denmark’s sovereignty and called on all allies to respect Greenland’s right to self-determination and the territorial integrity of NATO member states.
“Greenland is, of course, not for sale,” Frederiksen said. “We hope that everyone, including all our allies, will respect the Greenlandic people’s right to self-determination.”
She added that Denmark, as a sovereign nation, expects all countries to respect its territorial integrity and national sovereignty, principles that form the foundation of international law and the NATO alliance.
Trump Revives Greenland Proposal
The issue resurfaced after President Trump reiterated his long-standing view that the United States should assume control of Greenland, reviving a proposal that previously sparked diplomatic tensions between Washington and Copenhagen.
Trump’s remarks came on the eve of the NATO summit, drawing renewed attention to the strategic importance of the Arctic island, which has gained increasing geopolitical significance because of its location, natural resources and expanding military relevance.
His comments also contrasted with NATO’s core principle of collective defense, under which the Alliance’s 32 member states are committed to protecting one another’s territorial integrity rather than challenging it.
Denmark Reaffirms NATO Commitments
Frederiksen reaffirmed Denmark’s unwavering commitment to NATO’s collective security obligations, saying Copenhagen stands ready to defend every part of Alliance territory, including Greenland.
“We are prepared to defend every inch of NATO territory, including our own, and we trust that our allies will honour their commitment to collective defence,” she said.
Her remarks underscored Denmark’s confidence in NATO’s mutual defense framework at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions.
Iceland Calls for Alliance Unity
Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir also voiced support for Greenland’s right to determine its own future, stressing that the island belongs to its people and urging NATO members to remain united against common external threats.
“Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland,” Frostadóttir said, emphasizing that Alliance members should focus on strengthening unity rather than creating divisions.
She warned that NATO’s primary security challenge continues to come from outside the Alliance, particularly from Russia.
“We face threats from outside the Alliance. Russia remains the greatest security challenge for NATO members. Our priority should be to stand together and reinforce our collective security,” she said.
Arctic Sovereignty Remains Sensitive Issue
The renewed debate over Greenland highlights the growing strategic importance of the Arctic, where increasing competition among global powers has elevated the region’s geopolitical and security significance.
Denmark and its Nordic partners have consistently maintained that Greenland’s political future will be determined exclusively by its people, while reaffirming their commitment to NATO’s principles of sovereignty, collective defense and respect for international law.
BY: The Times Union
