COPENHAGEN, January 7, 2026 – Leaders from seven major European nations on Tuesday released a joint statement firmly rejecting President Donald Trump's renewed assertions that the United States should take control of Greenland, emphasizing that the Arctic island "belongs to its people" and that its future must be decided solely by Denmark and Greenlanders.
The statement, signed by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, underscored the need for collective Arctic security within NATO while upholding UN Charter principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"Greenland belongs to its people," the leaders declared. "It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland." They described the United States as an "essential partner" in NATO but stressed that regional security "must therefore be achieved collectively, in conjunction with NATO allies including the United States."
Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen welcomed the declaration, calling the allied support "important and unequivocal" amid escalating U.S. rhetoric. "Our country is not something that can be annexed or taken over simply because someone wishes to do so," Nielsen stated, rejecting any notion of forced transfer.
The European response follows intensified comments from Trump and aides portraying Greenland as critical for U.S. national security. On Sunday, Trump claimed the island was "covered with Russian and Chinese ships" and essential for defense, while refusing to rule out forceful acquisition.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, in a Monday CNN interview, asserted that "nobody is going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland" and questioned Denmark's authority over the territory due to its small population. Miller framed U.S. control as necessary for NATO's Arctic interests, saying "Greenland should be part of the United States."
European alarm has mounted since the U.S. operation capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, seen by diplomats as proof Trump may follow through on threats. Danish officials described the Venezuela raid as a "wake-up call," heightening fears of similar action against a NATO ally.
Analysts warn Europe's response to Venezuela—largely muted—could encourage bolder U.S. moves. Nathalie Tocci, director of the Istituto Affari Internazionali, argued that ambiguity signals "submission," potentially inviting further challenges to sovereignty. "The more European countries act as colonies, unable and unwilling to stand up to Trump, the more they’ll be treated as such," she wrote.
U.S. domestic criticism has also emerged. Republican Representative Don Bacon (R-Neb.) called the rhetoric "embarrassing for the U.S.," stating it undermines allied trust and benefits Russia and China. "Denigrating our allies serves no purpose... So… stop the stupid 'we want Greenland BS,'" Bacon posted on X.
Greenland, with a population of about 57,000, enjoys self-rule under Denmark, which handles defense and foreign affairs. The U.S. operates Pituffik Space Base there under a 1951 agreement. Trump has appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to advance U.S. interests, though Landry downplayed military options.
The joint statement aligns with broader transatlantic tensions amid Trump's "Donroe Doctrine" revival and focus on hemispheric dominance. As Arctic competition grows with melting ice revealing resources and routes, Europe's unified stance signals resolve to defend post-WWII norms.
This development highlights strains in NATO, where Greenland's status as Danish territory invokes Article 5 protections. Analysts predict ongoing diplomatic friction unless rhetoric de-escalates.
