Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen visited three European capitals on Tuesday in a fast-paced diplomatic mission following renewed remarks by former US President Donald Trump about acquiring Greenland.
Over the course of a day, she held meetings with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin, French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Brussels. The official discussions covered topics such as Ukraine and Russian threats in the Baltic Sea, but the timing of her trip highlighted Denmark’s growing concerns over Trump’s statements.
Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, has long been of strategic interest due to its Arctic location and natural resources. Trump’s latest assertion, saying, “I think we’re going to have it,” has reignited tensions despite Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute Egede rejecting any notion of US control, stating that Greenlanders “don’t want to be American.” While Frederiksen carefully avoided directly addressing Greenland in her meetings, her discussions with European allies centered on the importance of respecting national sovereignty. Scholz, speaking at a joint press conference, emphasized that respecting borders applies to “everyone,” pointedly adding in English, “To whom it may concern.”
In Paris, Frederiksen said she had received strong support from European leaders, stressing that there was a “very, very clear message” that all nations must respect international borders. In Brussels, she reiterated that she saw “no military threat” to Greenland or Denmark but acknowledged that Europe’s relationship with Trump has changed. Reports indicate that she and Rutte agreed on the need to strengthen Arctic security, a move seen as a response to growing external interest in the region.
While Frederiksen remained diplomatic, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen took a firmer stance, stating that Trump “will not have Greenland.” He emphasized that Greenlanders are recognized as a distinct people under international law and dismissed the idea of the US acquiring the island by economic or military means. Danish opposition MP Rasmus Jarlov echoed this position, telling the BBC that while some Greenlanders seek independence from Denmark, their goal is not to become part of the United States.
Denmark has taken concrete steps to reinforce its presence in the Arctic, announcing a 14.6 billion kroner ($2.05 billion) security investment in collaboration with Greenland and the Faroe Islands, another Danish autonomous territory. The funding will strengthen military readiness, surveillance, and infrastructure in the region. Meanwhile, Denmark and the US have agreed to hold future discussions on Arctic security, reflecting the growing international focus on Greenland.
As global powers continue to take an interest in the Arctic, Frederiksen’s diplomatic efforts signal Denmark’s commitment to defending its sovereignty while reinforcing its alliances in Europe and NATO. While Greenland’s political future remains a sensitive issue, Danish leaders have made it clear that the island is not for sale.
