MUNICH SECURITY CONFERENCE – Tensions over Greenland resurfaced as Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen affirmed that President Donald Trump’s pursuit of the Arctic island shows no signs of abating.
In a pointed panel appearance on Saturday, Frederiksen observed, “I think the US President is very serious about this. He still wants to acquire this island.” Her words cut through the diplomatic niceties, spotlighting a core US objective that has rattled allies.
Central to her message was safeguarding self-rule. “We must defend autonomous countries and the right of people to make their own choices. The Greenlandic people have been unequivocal: they do not wish to become part of America,” she asserted.
Progress appears incremental with the launch of a US-Denmark-Greenland working group focused on Arctic security issues. Echoing her Friday comments, Frederiksen welcomed the dialogue but set limits: “We have a working group now, which is positive. We’ll explore solutions, but certain red lines remain uncrossable, and our strategy holds firm.”
Contextually, Trump’s Davos pledge last month against military seizure of Greenland mitigated invasion fears. Separately, he rescinded tariff warnings to eight European states after meeting NATO chief Mark Rutte—threats of 10% hikes escalating to 25% if Greenland eluded US grasp.
Greenland’s status as the planet’s biggest island, self-governing under Danish sovereignty with Copenhagen handling defense and diplomacy, underscores the stakes. Trump’s 2025 administration has consistently pushed for control, igniting pan-European backlash.
This saga blends resource riches, strategic waterways, and power projection in a warming Arctic. Frederiksen’s forthright stance at Munich signals Denmark’s readiness to stand ground amid evolving great-power dynamics.