Denmark and Greenland Stand United Against U.S. 'Annexation' Threats

In a clear display of solidarity, Denmark and Greenland have presented a united front against recent U.S. threats to annex Greenland. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized that Denmark will not relinquish control of the territory during her recent visit to Greenland, which has escalated tensions following remarks made by former President Donald Trump.

Firm Response to U.S. Claims

During her three-day visit to Greenland, Frederiksen addressed the controversial remarks made by Trump. She firmly stated, "You can't annex other countries," in response to the former president's aspirations to bring Greenland under U.S. control. This visit was marked by a show of support alongside Greenland's new Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and his predecessor, Mute Egede. Their collective presence underscored the island’s sovereignty and the importance of collaboration.

Frederiksen's remarks came after a highly criticized visit from a U.S. delegation headed by Vice-President JD Vance, who reiterated Trump's sentiments about Greenland's potential acquisition. Vance claimed that Denmark should increase its defense spending and suggested that it had not adequately served the needs of the Greenlandic people.

Military and Political Solidarity

On the diplomatic front, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen in Brussels to reaffirm the strong bilateral relationship between the United States and Denmark. Rasmussen noted that while Rubio recognized Greenland's right to self-determination, Denmark would firmly oppose any claims made on the island by the U.S.

Frederiksen's visit also involved discussions about enhancing Denmark's military presence in the Arctic. She highlighted the need for unity in the face of external pressures, stating, “When you demand to take over a part of... Denmark's territory, we must evaluate our relationship with a nation we have admired for so many years.”

Local Support and Historical Context

During her visit, Frederiksen traveled around Nuuk, Greenland's capital, on a Danish Navy patrol boat, receiving a warm reception from residents who appreciated her presence and support. Former Prime Minister Egede underscored the long-standing cooperation between Greenland and the U.S., which dates back nearly 80 years with the establishment of the Pituffik Space Base under a 1951 agreement.

Despite this historical partnership, Egede and Nielsen both reiterated that Greenland was not for sale, while expressing a desire for trade relations with the U.S. Greenland, governed by Denmark for nearly 300 years, has internal self-rule, yet foreign and defense decisions are made in Copenhagen.

Moving Towards Independence

The political landscape in Greenland is evolving, with public sentiment increasingly favoring independence from Denmark. Recent polls indicate a substantial majority of Greenlanders wish for full autonomy but do not favor becoming part of the United States. Since 2009, Greenland has held the right to initiate an independence referendum, with discussions intensifying in recent years about the timeline and process for achieving this goal.

A new coalition government formed in March is advocating for a gradual approach to independence.

Frederiksen's visit and the strong response from both Danish and Greenlandic leaders signal a commitment to maintaining Greenland’s sovereignty amid external pressures, as they work towards a future that reflects the desires of the Greenlandic people.