Denmark Expresses Concern Over Alleged US Espionage in Greenland

Denmark has voiced its concerns following a report from the Wall Street Journal, indicating that the US government has allegedly directed its intelligence agencies to intensify espionage activities in Greenland. In response, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen announced plans to invite the current US ambassador to Denmark for discussions.

Rasmussen expressed significant unease regarding the report, emphasizing that Denmark does not engage in espionage against its allies. During a press conference held in Warsaw alongside EU foreign ministers, he stated that he is eager to clarify the troubling information presented in the article.

This development comes amid ongoing tensions regarding Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark situated in the Arctic. US President Donald Trump has persistently shown interest in acquiring Greenland, even suggesting the possibility of a forcible annexation. His administration had previously sought to purchase the island during his first term in office in 2019, and since his return to power in January 2025, he has reiterated ambitions to bring the territory under US control.

Both Greenland and Denmark have categorically rejected any notion of annexation. Greenland, which is home to approximately 57,000 residents, is rich in natural resources that remain largely untapped. Although Greenland has enjoyed a degree of autonomy since 1979, Denmark still holds authority over its foreign and defense policies.

The potential implications of increased US surveillance in Greenland raise concerns not only for Danish sovereignty but also for the geopolitical landscape of the Arctic region, which has become increasingly strategic due to its resources and shipping routes.