“Enough is enough. No more fantasies about annexation,” Greenland PM Jens-Frederik Nielsen said
“Enough is enough. (…) No more fantasies about annexation,” Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said in a Facebook post late on Sunday. PHOTO: REUTERS
Greenland’s leader said “enough is enough” on Sunday, while Denmark’s European allies stressed that the Arctic island’s future must be decided by its people, rebuffing renewed remarks by US President Donald Trump about acquiring the territory.
A recent US military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, along with Trump’s stated intention to oversee governance of the oil-rich country, has reignited concerns in Denmark that Greenland—an autonomous Danish territory—could face a similar scenario.
“Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark must determine the future of Greenland and nobody else,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told reporters. Starmer, who has sought to maintain cordial relations with Trump, has taken a less publicly confrontational stance than many other European leaders.
Trump has repeatedly said he wants to take over Greenland, an ambition he first expressed in 2019 during his first presidency. In an interview with The Atlantic published on Sunday, Trump said: “We do need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defence.”
Trump renews Greenland ambition
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One early on Monday, Trump said he would revisit the issue in a few weeks.
“Threats, pressure, and talk of annexation have no place between friends,” Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said in a Facebook post late on Sunday. “Enough is enough. (…) No more fantasies about annexation.”
On Dec. 21, Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland. Landry has publicly voiced support for incorporating the island into the United States.
Greenland’s strategic location between Europe and North America makes it a key component of the US ballistic missile defence system. Its vast mineral resources also align with Washington’s goal of reducing reliance on Chinese exports.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Monday that Greenland belongs to Denmark and suggested NATO could consider strengthening its protection if necessary. France expressed solidarity with Denmark, while a European Commission spokesperson said the EU would continue to uphold the principle of national sovereignty.
Support for Denmark and Greenland also came from Nordic and Baltic leaders. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Sunday that US comments about needing to take over Greenland made “absolutely no sense”.
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