Decisive European Response to Trump’s Moves Regarding Greenland: A Threat to NATO and International Law
Recent initiatives by President Donald Trump regarding the Greenland region have sparked a wave of strong reactions from European countries and the Atlantic Alliance, which considered the move a clear threat to the national sovereignty of NATO member states and a blatant violation of international law.
These tensions come amidst a series of diplomatic and military moves led by Europe in an attempt to protect its regional interests and enhance the strategic balance in the increasingly important Arctic.
The idea of American interest in annexing Greenland, which belongs to Denmark, dates back to the late 19th century. This proposal re-emerged strongly on the international stage with projections of Trump assuming a second presidential term in January 2025. In March of that same year, Trump announced the possibility of a deal to annex the island and simultaneously warned Denmark against imposing trade tariffs.
In May 2025, Trump hinted at the potential use of force to resolve the matter, considering Greenland’s strategic location between Eurasia, North America, and the Arctic as justification. Its connection to establishing missile defense systems and monitoring maritime routes was cited as one of the reasons behind this threat.
The response from the European Union and major European nations was decisive and direct. On January 6, 2026, leaders of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and Poland expressed full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland, affirming that the island has the right to self-determination and that any American attempt at annexation constitutes a grave violation of Danish sovereignty.
For her part, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any American attack on a NATO member state would lead to the bankruptcy of the security system that has linked Europe since World War II. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk indicated that any direct threat between NATO members could render the alliance functionally meaningless, emphasizing the principle of collective defense stipulated in Article 5 of the NATO Treaty.
Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre affirmed their countries’ full support for Denmark and Greenland.
At the same time, German Chancellor (during that specific timeframe) Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the need to achieve Arctic security through cooperation with partners, including the United States, with total commitment to the principles of international law and state sovereignty.
In response to American threats, some European countries sent forces to participate in the military exercises “Arctic Endurance,” aimed at enhancing troop readiness for harsh Arctic conditions and asserting NATO’s presence in the region. Participation included up to 100 personnel from Denmark, 15 from Germany and France, 3 from Sweden and the Netherlands, 2 from Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Slovenia, and 2 from Belgium and Britain.
In reaction to Europe’s steps, Trump announced a 10% tariff on imports from eight European countries starting February 1, 2026, threatening to raise them to 25% starting in June, vowing to link the tariff removal to reaching an agreement on Greenland.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that any attempt at threat or blackmail would not affect Europe’s position on global issues, affirming full commitment to protecting sovereignty and interests. He was supported by Germany, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The G7 announced at that time its readiness to take measures against the United States, which could reach 93 billion euros, including restricting US companies’ access to the European market.
This conflict, which reached its peak during that period, raises deep questions about the future and unity of NATO. European leaders pointed out that any direct conflict between NATO members could undermine trust in the principle of collective defense and jeopardize its operational function.
Observers emphasized that this dispute reveals the fragility of Euro-American relations and that absolute reliance on Washington for strategic issues is now threatened, opening the door to new visions for independent or partially parallel European defense and security policies.
The Greenland crisis demonstrates how an individual initiative by a US president can threaten the stability of an international military alliance and present Europe with unprecedented security challenges. According to experts, continued tension could push the European Union to accelerate plans to enhance its own military capabilities and reduce dependence on the United States, focusing on seeking diplomatic solutions before resorting to stricter measures, including economic sanctions and restricting American influence in the European market.
Source: TASS
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