The European Union could help provide security for Greenland if Denmark requests assistance, the European Commissioner for Defence and Space said on Monday, warning that any US military takeover of the territory would effectively bring an end to NATO.
Speaking at a security conference in Sweden, Commissioner Andrius Kubilius stressed that a forced occupation of Greenland by the United States would have severe political and strategic consequences. “I agree with the Danish prime minister that it will be the end of NATO,” he said, adding that such a move would also be viewed very negatively by people across Europe and would deeply damage transatlantic relations.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly argued that the United States must own Greenland — an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark — to prevent Russia or China from gaining a foothold in the strategically important, mineral-rich Arctic region. While Trump has said a US military presence already exists, he has also suggested it is insufficient and has not ruled out taking Greenland by force.
Denmark and the United States, both NATO members, are expected to hold talks on Greenland this week. Danish and Greenlandic authorities have consistently stated that the island is not for sale.
Kubilius said he did not believe a US invasion was imminent but noted that Article 42.7 of the EU treaty obliges member states to assist another member facing military aggression. Any response, he said, would depend on Denmark’s position and request.
He questioned the rationale of a military takeover, warning that it would affect all areas of EU-US relations, including trade. “Americans could face quite painful negative consequences,” he said.
The commissioner added that the EU could offer enhanced security support to Greenland if asked, including troops, warships, and anti-drone capabilities. He also emphasised that Europe must continue building its own defence capacity, noting that a US withdrawal or breakdown of NATO would pose a major challenge.
“NATO as it exists today would not survive such a scenario,” Kubilius said.
