Denmark to Inject Nearly 2 Billion Euros into Arctic Security Amid Trump’s Greenland Threats
Copenhagen is increasing its military spending and holding talks with its European allies as Trump escalates his expansionist rhetoric.
The Danish authorities will inject €1.95 billion to strengthen Denmark’s military presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions, announced the country’s Defense Minister, Troels Lund Poulsen, on Monday. This follows President Donald Trump’s statement that he wants to take control of Greenland, « one way or another. »
« There are serious challenges concerning security and defense in the Arctic and North Atlantic, » said Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen in a statement, adding that the package would include three new Arctic naval ships, two additional long-range surveillance drones, and satellite capabilities.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen met with NATO allies, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Monday to ensure European unity on Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory.
« Europe is facing a serious situation, with war on the continent and changes in the geopolitical reality, » said Ms. Frederiksen. « In such times, unity is crucial. »
The EU has stated that it does not « negotiate » with the United States regarding Denmark’s sovereignty and fully supports the Danish government’s position.
Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that the United States should take control of Greenland, although Mette Frederiksen insisted that the territory is not for sale during a tense phone call with the American president last week.
Greenland hosts a significant US space facility and lies along the shortest route between North America and Europe.
Trump first suggested the idea of taking control of the territory during his first term, stating that US control of the island was a « necessity » for international security. Since returning to the White House, he has intensified his efforts to claim Greenland, even refusing to rule out the use of military force to take control of the territory.
The island’s rich natural resources have also attracted attention from countries like Russia and China, which have been increasing their mining activities and military presence in the Arctic.
Both Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Egede have stated that the future of the territory should be determined by its citizens. In January, Múte Egede advocated for Greenland’s independence from Denmark, potentially through a referendum.
Source: euronews
