EU Signals Support for Greenland, Warns US Takeover Would Undermine NATO

Jan 13, 2026 at 11:52 AM

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Lanka Leader

European Defence and Space Commissioner Andreas Kubilius said on Sunday(11) that the European Union could help strengthen Greenland’s security if requested by Denmark, warning that any attempt by the United States to forcibly acquire the Arctic territory would effectively spell the end of NATO.

Speaking on the sidelines of a security conference in Sälen, Sweden, Kubilius said he had conveyed to Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen that a US military occupation of Greenland would deal a “fatal blow” to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and severely damage transatlantic relations. Such a move, he added, would trigger a strong negative reaction across Europe.

Kubilius said he did not believe a US invasion was imminent, but stressed that EU member states are obliged to provide mutual assistance if a member state is subjected to armed aggression. At Denmark’s request, he said, support for Greenland could be expanded to include troop deployments, a strengthened naval presence, and enhanced military infrastructure such as anti-drone capabilities.

Denmark and the United States, both NATO members, are due to hold talks this week on the Greenland issue. Greenland and Denmark have repeatedly stated that the territory is not for sale. However, US President Donald Trump has insisted that Washington should “own” Greenland and has not ruled out the use of force.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said European NATO members are discussing ways to strengthen the alliance, but cautioned that such efforts should not be based on the assumption that NATO will cease to function. Speaking at the same conference, Kristersson criticized recent US actions in Venezuela and what he described as Trump’s “threatening rhetoric” toward Denmark and Greenland, warning that such behavior undermines international law and increases risks for smaller countries.

Kristersson said the United States should instead show appreciation for Denmark, a long-standing ally, and pledged Sweden’s support for Copenhagen.

Since returning to office in January 2025, President Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to take control of Greenland, saying he would not rule out the use of “military or economic force.” Last month, he appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as US special representative for Greenland, a move that renewed diplomatic tensions with the Kingdom of Denmark. In a recent interview, Trump said the United States “absolutely” wants Greenland.

The Sälen security conference, first held in 1946, is organized by the Swedish civil defense organization Folk och Försvar and takes place in a mountain town about 400 kilometers northwest of Stockholm.