European Nations Caution U.S. Against Any Move Toward Greenland Annexation

Several major European nations have delivered a clear message to the United States, urging it to refrain from any actions that could be interpreted as an attempt to annex Greenland. In a joint declaration, representatives from Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom reaffirmed the principle that decisions concerning Greenland rest solely with its people and the Kingdom of Denmark. They emphasized that Greenland remains an integral part of Denmark, which is itself a NATO member, and that any matters affecting the territory should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity established under international law.

The statement highlighted that Arctic security is a shared responsibility among NATO allies, including the United States, and must be managed within the principles outlined by the United Nations Charter. The European leaders stressed that respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of borders are universal tenets that underpin international stability, and they reiterated their commitment to upholding these values in the face of recent assertions from the U.S. administration regarding Greenland.

Concerns have arisen following renewed statements from the U.S. President, who publicly reaffirmed the American interest in Greenland, citing strategic national security reasons. This stance was further underscored by senior U.S. officials, who characterized the country's position on Greenland as an official policy. In response, European officials underscored the importance of solidarity within the NATO alliance and issued assurances of full support for Denmark in maintaining its sovereignty over Greenland.

The European declaration also acknowledged American security concerns in the Arctic, recognizing the region's growing significance for both transatlantic and global security. It was noted that NATO has already reinforced its commitment to the Arctic by increasing its presence, activities, and investments to ensure regional stability and to deter potential threats. In addition, the European countries are intensifying cooperative efforts to bolster security measures in the Arctic region.

Political leaders from the signatory nations emphasized the necessity for allied unity and adherence to international agreements. They argued that any unilateral attempt to alter the status of Greenland would have far-reaching implications for the NATO alliance and the broader security framework that has existed in Europe since the end of World War II. The Danish government, in particular, has called for urgent parliamentary discussions to address the evolving situation and assess potential policy responses.

Within the European Union, calls have increased for a more proactive stance on Arctic affairs. Some EU parliamentarians advocate for the development of a comprehensive strategy for the region, including a possible future integration of Greenland into EU structures. They have also urged European institutions to move beyond a purely defensive posture and to prepare for a range of security scenarios, given the strategic importance of the Arctic in global geopolitics.

The situation continues to evolve as international attention remains focused on the region. The European signatories maintain that respect for established international norms is essential for maintaining peace and stability in the Arctic and beyond. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to address security concerns while upholding the sovereignty of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark.