Five Nordic countries have come together to criticize renewed American interest in Greenland, insisting that decisions about the island should be made only by Denmark and Greenland. This response follows comments from President Trump about buying Greenland, the world's largest island.
In a joint statement on January 6, the foreign ministers of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden highlighted their dedication to maintaining security and stability in the Arctic. They clearly stated that “issues concerning Denmark and Greenland are for Denmark and Greenland to decide alone.”
This statement was made in reaction to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's comments, where she conveyed that “President Trump has expressed that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority for the United States, crucial for deterring threats in the Arctic.” Leavitt also mentioned that “using the U.S. Military is always an option available to the Commander-in-Chief.”
The Nordic ministers emphasized that Arctic security depends on respecting the basic principles of the UN Charter and international law, including the sanctity of borders. They reminded that Denmark, including Greenland, is one of NATO's founding members and has a long history of working closely with the United States on Arctic security since the 1951 Defence Agreement, which provides opportunities for enhanced security cooperation.
A separate statement from seven key European countries—France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Denmark—strengthened this message with even firmer language, declaring, “These are universal principles, and we will not cease defending them,” and stressing that “Greenland belongs to its people.”
Trump's interest in Greenland is not new; as president-elect in January 2025, he made clear that he saw territorial expansion as a means to establish a lasting legacy.
Greenland holds substantial strategic importance for both U.S. and global interests. The island is rich in oil, gas, and mineral resources, is situated near Arctic shipping lanes, and is home to the northernmost U.S. military base. Its location is vital for ballistic missile early-warning systems, as the shortest route from Europe to North America goes through the Arctic.
The idea of purchasing Greenland was first mentioned by Trump in 2017 and gained more attention in 2019, only for Denmark to publicly reject the proposal. This ambition has historical roots; in 1946, President Harry Truman's administration secretly sought to buy Greenland for $100 million, but Denmark quietly turned it down.
The Nordic ministers highlighted their military readiness, stating they have “significantly increased our investments in Arctic security and are prepared to do even more in close consultation with the United States and other NATO allies.” They also expressed their support for an enhanced NATO presence in the region.
Denmark has consistently asserted that Greenland is not for sale, even though the island's 57,000 residents now govern their own internal affairs after many years of Danish oversight. The current diplomatic tensions add another layer to the increasingly contested Arctic landscape, with Russia and China actively expanding their influence in the area.