Last Updated on January 19, 2026 8:21 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
AMN / WEB DESK
European leaders have reaffirmed their support for the sovereignty of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark, citing Europe’s strategic economic and security interests, amid renewed remarks by US President Donald Trump about taking over the Arctic island.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on X that she held talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and leaders from France, the UK, Germany, and Italy to discuss rising tensions and said that all are firm to protect the strategic economic and security interests, adding that Europe would respond with unity and resolve. Following this, US President Trump responded, claiming NATO had warned Denmark for years about Russian threats in Greenland. He said Denmark had failed to act. He added that it is time, and it will be done this time.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed he spoke with Trump yesterday about security in Greenland and the Arctic. The discussion comes as the US threatens to impose a 10 per cent tariff on Denmark and other European Union countries. Rutte said he would meet Trump later this week in Davos but shared no further details. Several European countries issued a joint statement backing Denmark and Greenland. Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK said the Arctic Endurance exercise posed no threat and warned that tariff threats undermine trans-atlantic relations and risk escalation. Earlier, Trump warned of tariffs on the UK and other European nations unless they agree to sell Greenland. He said the move was necessary for US national security, citing Chinese and Russian interest in the region.
For a country with fewer than 6 million citizens, Denmark plays an outsize role on the world stage when it comes to sustainable development and the fight for human rights. Denmark is also part of NATO, and the Danish military joins in international missions.
As a founding member of the United Nations, Denmark has committed itself for decades to a substantial role in the global fight for human rights and the eradication of poverty.
Denmark is one of only a few bilateral donors in the world that meets the UN goal for rich countries of providing a minimum of 0.7 of gross national income for development assistance.
A portion of Danish development aid is channelled through the UN, the European Union, the World Bank and other multinational bodies, while another portion is earmarked Danida, the Danish Development Assistance. Danida fights poverty and helps improve education in several developing countries.