NATO and Greenland’s government plan to bolster Arctic security to deter US President Donald Trump’s repeated threats to acquire the territory.
NUUK: NATO and Greenland’s government have announced plans to work on strengthening the defence of the Danish autonomous territory.
The move aims to dissuade US President Donald Trump from his repeated threats to acquire the Arctic island.
Trump further stoked tensions on Sunday by stating the United States would take the territory “one way or the other”.
Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the island’s security and defence “belong in NATO”.
He said his government would work to ensure defence development occurs in close cooperation with the alliance and its allies, including the US.
NATO chief Mark Rutte confirmed the alliance is working on “the next steps” to bolster Arctic security.
Diplomats say some NATO members have floated the idea of a new regional mission, though no concrete proposals exist.
Trump insists Greenland is crucial for US national security and must be brought under American control.
The island is also rich in largely untapped resources, including rare earth minerals.
Locals in the capital Nuuk expressed growing concern over the escalating rhetoric.
“We laughed at Trump first when he tried to buy us but now the second time he’s more aggressive,” said theology student Nuunu Binzer, 35.
Student Mininnguaq Fontain, 19, said she would prefer no soldiers but would feel safer with defence if attacked.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned a US armed attack on Greenland would end NATO.
Copenhagen has invested heavily in regional security, allocating some 90 billion kroner (USD 14 billion) in 2025.
Greenland, home to some 57,000 people, houses a US military base at Thule.
Rutte stated Denmark would have no issue with a larger US military presence on the island.
A 1951 treaty, updated in 2004, allows the US to simply notify Denmark if it wants to send more troops.
Denmark is also pursuing diplomacy, with a meeting between Danish, Greenlandic, and US officials expected this week.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen met with his Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt on Monday.
Denmark reportedly wants to present a united front with Greenland before meeting US representatives.
Media reports detailed a tense videoconference between Danish and Greenlandic lawmakers on negotiating with Washington.
Facing Trump’s threats, Prime Minister Nielsen said, “I fully understand if there is unease.”
His government stated it cannot accept “under any circumstance” a US takeover of Greenland.
A Danish colony until 1953, Greenland gained home rule in 1979 and contemplates loosening ties with Denmark.
Polls show Greenland’s people strongly oppose a US takeover.
