‘Ready to defend’: EU hardens line on Greenland as Trump doubles down threat

The European Union is hardening its official line against Donald Trump’s threat to take control of Greenland – using military force if necessary – following new comments that leave no doubt as to the seriousness of the American president’s expansionist intention.

“I think we’re going to have it,” Trump said over the weekend.

“I don’t really know what claim Denmark has to it, but it would be a very unfriendly act if they didn’t allow that to happen because it’s for the protection of the free world.”

Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark that is considered highly strategic due to its location in the Arctic Sea and wealth of rare metals. The effects of climate change are set to open new maritime routes and drilling opportunities.

Unlike Denmark, the sprawling island of 56,000 people is not a part of the 27-country bloc but enjoys a special status with access to EU funds and freedom of movement for Greenlanders, who are considered EU citizens.

Moreover, Greenland is covered by the mutual defence clause laid out by the EU treaties. Under Article 42.7, all member states have an “obligation of aid and assistance” if another member state falls “victim of armed aggression on its territory.”

“Borders may not be moved by force: To whom it may concern,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Tuesday after meeting with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

“The inviolability of borders is a fundamental principle of international law,” he continued, without mentioning Trump by name. “The principle must apply to all.”

“It is up to Europe to define the future of our continent,” Frederiksen said.

In Paris, France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said that if Denmark were to request “solidarity” from EU countries, “France will be there.”

And in Brussels, Andrius Kubilius, the European Commissioner for Defence, declared: “We are ready to defend our member state, Denmark.”

The previous day, High Representative Kaja Kallas suggested the EU should speak the “language of transaction” to influence Trump’s decision-making and implied the president’s incendiary remarks should not be taken “word by word.”

Asked if the “language of transaction” meant a possible deal on Greenland could be struck with Washington, Kallas drew a red line: “No, we are not negotiating on Greenland. We are supporting our member state, Denmark, and its autonomous region.”

“What I meant with my comment was more general. This is the language that we have understood that the new administration speaks,” Kallas told reporters on Monday after a meeting of foreign affairs ministers where EU-US relations were discussed.

“We should also take into account what is our strength. We are an economic power. We are very much interlinked with America,” she went on.

“It’s not like somebody telling us what to do and we are following. But we are also stronger. We shouldn’t underestimate our own power.”

A ‘horrendous’ call

The interventions represent a more resolute stance compared to the lukewarm reaction given in the initial days of the political saga when Trump refused to rule out the possibility of deploying the American army to gain control over Greenland.

“We need it for national security,” Trump said earlier this month.

Back then, the European Commission spoke of “extremely hypothetical” scenarios and offered generic statements about the importance of respecting international law.

But with Trump and his officials doubling down on the threats, the prospect of an American invasion has become ever-more tangible for Brussels and the other capitals.

The sense of alert spiked after details emerged of a 45-minute phone call between Trump and Frederiksen, during which Trump insisted on his desire to take over the island and Frederiksen replied Greenland was not for sale.

The phone call was described as “icy” and “aggressive” by the New York Times. The Financial Times called it “fiery” and “horrendous,” citing sources.

The Danish government contested the description of the exchange, which took place five days before Trump was inaugurated.

The revelations have firmly put the issue at the top of the EU’s agenda and prompted fresh questions about how – or even if – the bloc could repel a potential invasion.

Frederiksen has embarked on a mini-tour to meet with her European counterparts, including Germany’s Olaf Scholz, France’s Emmanuel Macron and NATO’s Secretary General Mark Rutte, to shore up political support for the unprecedented challenge.

“Europe is facing a serious situation, with war on the continent and shifts in the geopolitical reality,” Frederiksen said on Monday. “In moments like this, unity is crucial.”

Meanwhile, the Danish government announced an injection of 14.6 billion kroner (€1.95 billion) to boost its military presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic region.

The issue of Denmark is expected to loom over the talks when the 27 EU leaders meet in Brussels next week for an informal summit devoted to defence and transatlantic relations.

Paula Soler and Tamsin Paternoster contributed reporting.