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Joint statement defends Greenland's sovereignty
Seven European allies, including the UK, France, and Germany, have united behind Denmark after the US renewed assertions of control over Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory.
In a joint statement issued Tuesday, the leaders of Denmark, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain declared: "Greenland belongs to its people, and only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relations."
Trump's remarks spark diplomatic tension
US President Donald Trump reignited the dispute on Sunday, stating that the US "needed" Greenland for security reasons. When pressed on whether force could be used to acquire the territory, he declined to rule it out.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded sharply on Monday, warning that a US attack on Greenland would "spell the end of Nato." The alliance, founded on mutual defense, requires members to assist one another in the event of an external attack.
Venezuela raid fuels fears of US expansionism
The controversy follows a US military operation in Venezuela last week, where elite troops detained President Nicolás Maduro to face charges in New York. Trump later announced the US would "run" Venezuela indefinitely, citing a revival of the 1823 Monroe Doctrine, which asserts US dominance in the Western Hemisphere.
These actions have stoked concerns that Greenland could be next. On Sunday, Katie Miller, wife of senior Trump aide Stephen Miller, posted a social media image of Greenland overlaid with the American flag and the word "SOON."
US officials escalate rhetoric
Stephen Miller, a key Trump advisor, doubled down on Monday, telling CNN that Greenland "should be part of the US" to secure Arctic interests and NATO's future. When asked if the US would use force, he replied: "Nobody's going to fight the US over the future of Greenland."
Trump has argued that Greenland's strategic location and rare mineral deposits make it vital to US security. His administration's recent appointment of a special envoy to Greenland drew sharp criticism from Denmark.
Greenland's leadership calls for dialogue
Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen welcomed the European statement, urging "respectful dialogue" grounded in international law and territorial integrity.
Greenland, home to 57,000 people, has governed itself since 1979 but remains under Danish control for defense and foreign policy. While many Greenlanders support eventual independence from Denmark, polls show overwhelming opposition to US annexation.
NATO allies stress collective security
The seven European nations emphasized that Arctic security must be addressed "collectively" within NATO, while upholding the UN Charter's principles of sovereignty and inviolable borders.
"The dialogue must respect Greenland's status under international law," Nielsen said.
