Denmark and EU Reject Trump’s Greenland Envoy, Warn US to Respect Sovereignty

Copenhagen: Denmark has formally protested against US President Donald Trump’s renewed push to bring Greenland under American control, summoning the US ambassador in response to Washington’s appointment of a special envoy to the autonomous Danish territory. The move has also prompted the European Union to express full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland.

The Danish Foreign Ministry said the appointment of a special envoy for Greenland, along with accompanying statements from US officials, was “completely unacceptable” and undermined Denmark’s sovereignty. Greenlandic representatives were present at the meeting with the US ambassador, underlining the seriousness of the protest.

Trump revives Greenland ambitions

Since returning to the White House in January last year, President Trump has repeatedly reiterated his desire for the United States to gain control of Greenland. Earlier this week, he appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to the island, describing Greenland as “essential to national security” in a post on his Truth Social platform.

Governor Landry responded by saying it was an honour to take on the role, adding to concerns in Copenhagen and Nuuk that Washington is escalating its rhetoric despite long-standing opposition from both Denmark and Greenland.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said there was “considerable anger” over the decision, stressing that Greenland’s status cannot be changed unilaterally.

“Greenland belongs to Greenlanders”

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen issued a joint statement reaffirming that Greenland is not for sale and that its future will be decided solely by its people. “No country can annex another,” the leaders said, calling for respect for territorial integrity.

Nielsen added that the appointment of a US envoy “changes nothing” for Greenlanders, reiterating that Greenland belongs to its people alone.

EU backs Denmark

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa said the principle of territorial integrity is fundamental, not only for the EU but for the international community as a whole. Both leaders expressed full solidarity with Denmark and Greenland.

Trump’s stance has unsettled Denmark, a NATO ally that has fought alongside the US in Afghanistan and Iraq. In January, Copenhagen announced a €2 billion plan to strengthen its military presence in the Arctic.

Greenland’s strategic importance lies in its location along key transatlantic air and military routes, its role in Arctic security, and its natural resources, including rare earth minerals critical to modern technologies. The United States already operates military facilities on the island with Danish consent, including the Thule Space Base.

While a January poll indicated that many Greenlanders favour eventual independence from Denmark, it also showed strong opposition to becoming part of the United States.

Despite renewed US interest, leaders in Copenhagen and Nuuk have consistently made clear that Greenland’s future is a matter for Greenlanders alone.

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