August M
Concerns over the future of NATO have moved to the forefront of European diplomacy amid growing tension over Greenland. Officials across Europe warn that any attempt by one ally to seize territory from another would strike at the foundations of the post-war security order.
Against that backdrop, governments are now quietly discussing how to respond if the situation escalates further.
Stakes for nato
Denmark has warned that a US move to invade or seize Greenland, which is part of the Danish kingdom, would represent a fundamental break with the principles that underpin NATO and post-second world war security in Europe.
European leaders have echoed those concerns in recent days, stressing that borders within the alliance must remain inviolable. Canada and several major European powers have publicly stated that Greenland “belongs to its people,” signalling rare unity in the face of a potential internal alliance crisis, according to reporting by The Guardian.
European coordination
France has confirmed it is working with partners on how to react should the United States act on its threats. French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the issue would be discussed with his German and Polish counterparts at a meeting on Wednesday.
“We want to take action, but we want to do so together with our European partners,” Barrot told France Inter radio.
A German government source said Berlin was coordinating closely with Denmark and other European countries on possible next steps, reflecting efforts to ensure a joint European position rather than unilateral responses.
Trump rhetoric resurfaces
The renewed tension follows comments from US President Donald Trump, who has again spoken publicly about acquiring Greenland, arguing it is vital for US national security. The White House said Trump and his advisers were examining “a range of options,” including the potential use of the US military.
The rhetoric intensified after one of Trump’s aides suggested force had not been ruled out. However, Barrot said US secretary of state Marco Rubio later told him that an invasion was not under consideration.
“I myself was on the phone yesterday with US secretary of state, Marco Rubio … who confirmed that this was not the approach taken,” Barrot said.
Danish pushback
Denmark’s government has rejected claims from Washington that Greenland is poorly defended or swarming with foreign vessels. Foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said the situation was being misrepresented and called for calmer dialogue.
“The shouting match must be replaced by a more sensible dialogue. Now,” Rasmussen wrote on social media, adding that Denmark was “looking after the kingdom.”
Denmark’s defence minister, Troels Lund Poulsen, said the country had invested heavily in Arctic security, disputing US assertions that it was failing to protect the territory.
Rising uncertainty
The Danish parliament held an extraordinary session to discuss the situation, underlining the seriousness with which Copenhagen views the dispute. Greenland’s foreign minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, has joined Rasmussen in seeking an urgent meeting with Rubio.
European diplomats say the priority is preventing rhetoric from turning into action, while preserving alliance unity at a time of already heightened global tensions.
Sources: The Guardian
