US Presidents plans for Greenland spark international concern and potential action

US Threats on Greenland Spark European Response

The US government has announced plans to take control of Greenland, sparking concerns among European leaders. According to a German government source, Berlin is “closely working together” with other allies in response to the potential move.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that nations are considering action if the US were to seize Greenland from Denmark, its current ally. However, he emphasized the importance of cooperation among European partners. In a recent phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Barrot expressed skepticism about the idea of taking similar action as was seen in Venezuela.

US President Donald Trump has previously stated that Greenland should be part of Washington’s security apparatus, but since then, European allies have rallied behind the country’s sovereignty. Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and his counterpart from Greenland, Vivian Motzfeldt, requested an urgent meeting with Rubio to discuss the situation.

The European Union has pledged support for Greenland and Denmark in this matter, with European Council President Antonio Costa stating that “Greenland belongs to its people.” The EU will not accept violations of international law, regardless of location.

In 2019, Trump raised the idea of controlling Greenland, citing potential benefits for US security. However, Rubio stated that Trump’s intention is to buy the island. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the president views a potential purchase as a means to deter Russian and Chinese aggression in the Arctic region.

Denmark has warned that any attempt by the US to take Greenland by force would have severe consequences, including the suspension of NATO cooperation and 80 years of close security ties.

Source: Al Jazeera