Anna Hartz
The Arctic has become a tense point in global politics. Greenland, a huge territory under Danish sovereignty, has suddenly drawn the attention of the United States.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested that the U.S. might take control of the island. These statements have alarmed leaders across Europe. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez spoke out, warning about the potential consequences of any American move.
A Justification of Russian Aggression
Sanchez told the Catalan daily La Vanguardia that an invasion of Greenland would make Russian President Vladimir Putin “the happiest man in the world.” He said it would give Moscow a justification for its aggression in Ukraine, according to Digi24. It could also weaken NATO, he added. Any unilateral action by the U.S. against Denmark’s territory would reinforce what Sanchez called the Kremlin’s expansionist logic.
Trump has threatened tariffs on Denmark and other allies until the United States achieves what he calls a “total acquisition” of Greenland. Sanchez said these threats must be taken seriously. He argued that if the U.S. has genuine security concerns in the Arctic, they should be discussed within NATO’s Atlantic Council, not acted on alone.
Spain is considering whether to send troops to Greenland, but Sanchez said no decisions have been made. He will first consult with opposition parties and other parliamentary groups.
Stronger European Defense
He also rejected Trump’s demand that NATO allies spend 5% of their GDP on defense. Spain has already met its obligations with just over 2% of GDP. Raising spending to 5% would force cuts to health, education, and social programs, Sanchez said, without strengthening Europe’s defense industry.
Sanchez argued that Europe should focus on building its own armed forces. He said the goal should be a stronger European defense industry, even if some countries do not fully agree. “We can move some countries forward in this integration process,” he said.
He emphasized that cooperation in defense is the way to protect Europe without creating tensions with allies or giving Russia an advantage.
For now, Greenland remains under Danish control. The island’s future, however, has become a flashpoint in global diplomacy. Sanchez’s warnings underline the risks of unilateral actions and the need for careful coordination among NATO members.
Sources: Digi24
