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Frederiksen meets Greenland leader after US backs down on takeover threats
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen arrived in Nuuk on Friday for discussions with Greenland's Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen, following a dramatic shift in U.S. President Donald Trump's stance on the Arctic territory.
Diplomatic breakthrough after weeks of escalation
Tensions had peaked in recent weeks after Trump publicly floated the idea of purchasing Greenland and threatened military action if Denmark refused. The situation reversed abruptly on Wednesday when the U.S. president announced a preliminary agreement with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, signaling a move toward negotiations instead of confrontation.
Trump later told Fox News the U.S. would gain "total access" to Greenland under a proposed missile defense system, though he stopped short of claiming ownership. "It's total access. There's no end, there's no time limit," he said, adding that the U.S. would secure "everything we want at no cost."
Greenland remains wary despite U.S. retreat
While former Danish Foreign Minister Martin Lidegaard called Trump's softened language a positive sign, Greenlandic lawmaker Aaja Chemnitz urged caution. "I think it's too early to lower our guard," she told the BBC. "Many people are confused and concerned."
Chemnitz criticized Trump's dismissive remarks about Greenland, including his reference to the territory as a "big chunk of ice" during a Davos speech. "This is very, very disrespectful toward the people of Greenland," she said, warning that rebuilding trust would be difficult.
Security, not sovereignty, at the heart of talks
Frederiksen emphasized Denmark's unwavering support for Greenland during her visit, framing the discussions as a step toward a "diplomatic, political track." She ruled out any transfer of sovereignty but left room for cooperation on security matters.
Trump has repeatedly cited China and Russia's growing Arctic presence as justification for U.S. control over Greenland. Denmark and its European allies have responded by pledging to strengthen NATO's Arctic defenses while rejecting territorial concessions.
Existing defense pact may be renegotiated
A 1951 agreement between Denmark and the U.S. already allows for American military expansion in Greenland, including the Pituffik base, which hosts around 150 U.S. personnel. The deal was updated in 2004 to include Greenland as an equal partner.
Per Stig Møller, who served as Denmark's foreign minister during the 2004 revision, noted that the U.S. can modify its military footprint in Greenland but must consult Danish and Greenlandic authorities. "They can make important changes... They just have to inform us or confer with us," he said.
Reports suggest the two countries may renegotiate the 1951 pact, though Danish officials have stressed that mineral rights and territorial surrender are off the table. Denmark's Ministry of Defence declined to comment when contacted by the BBC.
Next steps: Security-focused negotiations ahead
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen confirmed on Friday that formal talks would begin soon, with a singular focus on "security, security, and security." Greenlandic leaders, however, remain skeptical of U.S. intentions, particularly regarding resource extraction.
"Minerals haven't been discussed with NATO. Why should they do that? This is completely up to Greenland,"
Aaja Chemnitz, Greenlandic MP
As negotiations loom, Chemnitz warned that winning over Greenland's population would be an uphill battle. "The people of Greenland are really pushing away from the U.S. after everything that has happened this last year," she said.
