Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated on Thursday that Denmark and its autonomous territory, Greenland, are open to engaging in constructive discussions concerning security in the Arctic region, but these dialogues must uphold the territorial integrity of the Danish Kingdom.
This statement came in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's recent remarks made during the World Economic Forum in Davos where he retracted prior threats to impose tariffs on certain European nations that opposed his interest in acquiring Greenland. Trump indicated that the use of military force was off the table and suggested that progress had been made toward resolving the dispute over the semi-autonomous island under Danish sovereignty.
After a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, President Trump expressed optimism about reaching an accord that would align with his vision of establishing a "Golden Dome" missile defense system aimed at protecting the United States. The plan also includes gaining access to Greenland's mineral reserves while countering strategic ambitions posed by Russia and China in the Arctic.
Prime Minister Frederiksen emphasized that Denmark's position is well known within NATO and that the Danish government had been assured that the discussions between the alliance's secretary general and the U.S. president did not impinge upon Danish sovereignty.
"Security in the Arctic concerns the entire NATO alliance," Frederiksen stated. "Thus, it is both appropriate and natural that such issues are deliberated between the NATO Secretary General and the United States President. However, the Kingdom of Denmark intends to continue participating in these security conversations constructively, including those related to the United States' proposed Golden Dome system, provided our territorial integrity is fully respected."
Historically, the United States maintained a significant military presence on Greenland, hosting thousands of troops throughout the Cold War era. Yet in more recent decades, that presence has been scaled back substantially. Despite this, the U.S. military continues to operate a permanent installation at the Pituffik air base in northwest Greenland. Under a 1951 agreement, the U.S. is permitted to construct bases but is required to notify Denmark and Greenland beforehand.
Greenland holds extensive autonomy from Denmark, with authority over domestic affairs. However, matters of foreign policy and defense remain subject to Danish control unless jointly agreed otherwise. Since 2009, Greenland possesses the right to declare independence contingent upon a referendum and approval by the Danish parliament.
Prime Minister Frederiksen made clear, "It is solely Denmark and Greenland that have the authority to conclude agreements related to matters concerning both parties." Echoing this view, Aaja Chemnitz, a Greenlandic representative in the Danish parliament, asserted, "Nothing can be settled without Greenland's direct involvement. NATO does not hold the sole mandate to negotiate without our participation from Greenland."