Denmark and Greenland stand firm against potential US sovereignty moves, with the Danish Prime Minister reaffirming her country’s commitment to its Arctic ally amid growing tensions over control of the strategic island.
Denmark has made it clear that it will not give up control of Greenland to the United States, despite repeated threats from President Donald Trump. During a three-day visit to the Arctic island, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stood alongside Greenland’s outgoing Prime Minister Mute Egede and newly elected Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen in a show of support and unity.
Greenland has been under Danish control for nearly 300 years, with the island governing its own domestic affairs. However, decisions on foreign and defence policy are made in Copenhagen. Despite this, Greenlanders have long sought greater autonomy and independence from Denmark. In recent years, polls have shown that the vast majority of Greenlanders want to become independent from Denmark, but do not wish to join the United States.
The United States has a long history of annexing territories, with the most notable examples being Hawaii in 1898 and Puerto Rico in 1898.
Since then, there have been several instances where the US has considered or threatened to annex other countries' territories.
For example, during the Cold War, the US had plans to annex 'Greenland' due to its strategic location.
In recent years, there have been tensions between the US and various countries over issues like territorial disputes and military presence.
The concept of annexation remains a contentious issue in international relations, with some arguing it is a form of imperialism.
Trump first floated the idea of buying Greenland during his first term in office, and has since reiterated his ambitions to bring the island under US control for security reasons. However, this plan has been met with widespread criticism from both Greenlanders and Danes. Danish public broadcaster DR reported that many people cheered as Frederiksen arrived in Nuuk, with one resident shouting ‘Hey Mette! Thanks for being here.’
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He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in economics.
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In response to the US threats, Denmark is fortifying its military presence in the Arctic. Frederiksen offered closer collaboration with the United States in defending the region, but also made it clear that Denmark will not give up control of Greenland. ‘When you demand to take over a part of… Denmark’s territory, when we are met by pressure and by threats from our closest ally, what are we to believe in, about the country that we have admired for so many years?’ she said.
Greenland has cooperated with the US on security for almost 80 years, including the construction of the Pituffik Space Base. However, Greenland’s opposition party won a recent election dominated by calls for independence and an end to Danish control. Frederiksen’s visit was seen as a show of support for Greenland’s sovereignty, but also highlighted the need for closer collaboration with the US in defending the region.
For many Greenlanders, Frederiksen’s visit was a reassuring message that Denmark stands by its ally. Mikaela Engell, an expert on the Arctic territory who previously served as Denmark’s High Commissioner to Greenland, said ‘it’s very, very important and it’s very reassuring for Greenlanders to see a Danish head of government.’ As the debate over Greenland’s future continues, Frederiksen’s visit has provided a united front against US ‘annexation’ threats.
Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has a unique constitutional relationship with its parent country.
The Danish Constitution grants Greenland Home Rule, allowing it to govern internal affairs.
However, foreign and security policies remain under Danish control.
This arrangement is based on the 1953 Greenland Law, which established Greenland's status as a constituent part of Denmark.
Since 1979, Greenland has gradually increased its autonomy, with full self-governance in domestic matters.
Today, the relationship is characterized by cooperation and mutual respect between Copenhagen and Nuuk.
