Greenland is strengthening its ties with NATO to counter US President Donald Trump’s assertions regarding the territory’s sovereignty. This move comes as tensions escalate over Trump’s controversial claims, prompting a crucial meeting in Washington to address the stark differences between the US and Greenland.
In the face of Trump’s provocative statements, NATO members are exploring new measures to enhance security in the Arctic region, particularly in response to perceived threats from Russia and China. The alliance is signaling a commitment to “collective defence,” a principle that has guided NATO since its inception in 1949.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt in Washington on September 13, 2023. In anticipation of this meeting, Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen emphasized via social media that any security concerns regarding the territory fall under NATO’s jurisdiction.
“Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and part of NATO through the commonwealth,” Nielsen stated. “This means that our security and defence belong in NATO. That is a fundamental and firm line.” He highlighted the international attention Greenland has received recently, noting its strategic significance for both its allies and regional stability.
Nielsen’s remarks stand in contrast to calls from other political figures in Greenland, such as Pele Broberg, leader of the Naleraq party, who advocates for a more independent defence arrangement with the United States. Residents have expressed concern over the ongoing dispute, particularly as Trump has not dismissed the possibility of using force to assert control over Greenland, although many doubt such military action would occur.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that any aggressive moves against Greenland could jeopardize the integrity of the NATO alliance. Trump’s mixed messages about NATO, expressed during a recent press conference aboard Air Force One, add to the uncertainty. He claimed to have “saved” the alliance by encouraging European nations to allocate 5 percent of their economic output to military spending.
“If we don’t take Greenland, Russia or China will take Greenland, and I am not going to let that happen,” Trump remarked. “I would love to make a deal with them; it’s easier, but one way or the other, we’re going to have Greenland.” He also suggested that a US withdrawal from NATO could “save a lot of money,” raising questions about the alliance’s future.
Discussions among European leaders have reportedly included plans to increase military operations in the Arctic to send a clear message to the United States. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte acknowledged the importance of Arctic security, stating, “All allies agree on the importance of the Arctic and Arctic security, because we know that with sea lanes opening up, there is a risk that the Russians and the Chinese will be more active.”
The US maintains a missile defense base in Greenland, a remnant of military installations established during World War II. According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the US could expand its military presence in Greenland under existing agreements with Denmark and Greenland. IISS senior fellow Charlie Edwards noted that while a cooperative arrangement could enhance security, divisions could weaken it.
The US Congress has not rallied behind Trump’s approach to Greenland. A bipartisan delegation is set to visit Copenhagen this week to demonstrate unity on the matter. Senator Tim Kaine, a prominent Democrat, stated that Congress is prepared to intervene should military action be considered. “I think Congress will stop them, both Democrats and Republicans,” he said. “This would be disastrous. It wouldn’t just be America First. It wouldn’t just be the end of NATO; it would be America alone.”
As Greenland navigates this complex geopolitical landscape, the implications of its relationship with NATO and the United States will be closely monitored by both allies and adversaries alike. The upcoming discussions in Washington will be crucial in determining the future of security in the Arctic region and the nature of Greenland’s place within these larger international dynamics.
