Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen concluded a three-day visit to Greenland with a strong rebuke of the United States’ renewed interest in controlling the Arctic island, stating:
“You cannot annex another country—not even under the guise of international security.”
Frederiksen made the statement while aboard the Danish Navy inspection vessel Vaedderen, joined by Greenland’s acting head of government Múte Bourup Egede and the newly elected leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen.
Renewed Pressure from Washington
The visit comes amid growing pressure from Washington. Just last week, US Vice-President JD Vance toured a remote American military base in Greenland and accused Denmark of “underinvesting” in the territory’s infrastructure and defence.
In a Newsmax interview, Vance doubled down on the criticism, saying:
“This matters to our security, this matters to our missile defence, and we’re going to protect America’s interests come hell or high water.”
The statements echo a controversial strategy by US President Donald Trump, who is once again seeking to assert American control over Greenland—a key Arctic region critical to global military positioning and climate policy.
Denmark Stands Firm
Responding to US rhetoric, Frederiksen emphasized Denmark’s long-standing loyalty to transatlantic cooperation:
“When you ask our businesses to invest in the US, they do. When you ask us to spend more on defence, we comply. When you want Arctic security strengthened, we align. But when you demand to take part of our kingdom—when you apply pressure and threats—we are forced to question the intentions of our closest ally.”
She stressed that the alliance must be based on mutual respect, not coercion, warning that any attempt to divide NATO allies benefits adversaries:
“This is about the world order we’ve built together over generations.”
Greenland Moves Toward Unity—and Independence
In response to mounting geopolitical tensions, Greenland’s political parties have formed a broad coalition government, unified in rejecting foreign control and reaffirming the territory’s long-term goal of eventual independence from Denmark.
Though part of the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland has increasing autonomy and its own government. The island is rich in natural resources and holds a vital geostrategic position in the Arctic, making it a coveted location in global power dynamics.
