August M
Fresh tension has emerged across the Atlantic after the United States revived its interest in gaining control of Greenland, prompting unease among European allies. The renewed focus on the Arctic island has forced governments to consider how to respond should Washington move beyond rhetoric.
European officials say the issue touches on sovereignty, alliance unity and the future balance of power in the Arctic.
Renewed US interest
According to Reuters, President Donald Trump has again raised the prospect of the United States acquiring Greenland, an idea he first floated in 2019.
Trump argues the island is vital for U.S. military strategy and missile defence, and has accused Denmark of failing to protect it adequately.
The White House said Trump has been discussing different options, including a potential purchase. A senior U.S. official said military action was among the scenarios discussed internally, though no decisions had been announced.
Military fears downplayed
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said he had spoken directly with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who ruled out a military invasion of Greenland.
“He confirmed that this was not the approach taken,” Barrot said, adding that Rubio had dismissed the possibility of a U.S. assault on the territory.
However, concerns have lingered in Europe following a recent U.S. military operation that detained Venezuela’s leader, which revived fears that Washington could act unilaterally in sensitive regions.
Danish pushback
Greenland and Denmark have firmly rejected any suggestion that the island could be sold. Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said the escalating rhetoric needed to be toned down.
“The shouting match must be replaced by a more sensible dialogue. Now,” Rasmussen wrote on social media, announcing he had requested an urgent meeting with Rubio alongside Greenland’s foreign minister.
Rasmussen also rejected Trump’s claims that Russian and Chinese vessels were operating aggressively around Greenland, saying such portrayals were inaccurate. Vessel tracking data cited by Reuters showed no Chinese or Russian ships near the island.
Europe coordinates response
Against this backdrop, European allies have begun quietly coordinating contingency plans. Barrot said France would raise the issue with Germany and Poland, stressing the need for a united response.
“We want to take action, but we want to do so together with our European partners,” he told France Inter radio.
A German government source confirmed that Berlin was working closely with Denmark and other European countries on possible next steps regarding Greenland.
Strategic stakes
Although Greenland has a population of just 57,000, its location between Europe and North America gives it outsized strategic importance. It is covered by NATO through Denmark’s membership and has long hosted U.S. missile defence infrastructure.
Its mineral resources also align with Washington’s goal of reducing dependence on China, adding another layer to the geopolitical sensitivity surrounding Trump’s renewed ambitions.
Sources: Reuters
