Germany and Sweden have pushed back against U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated threats to seize Greenland, emphasizing support for Denmark and the island’s self-determination.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called Trump’s rhetoric “threatening” and warned that a U.S. takeover would violate international law and set a dangerous precedent. “Sweden, the Nordic countries, the Baltic states, and several major European countries stand together with our Danish friends,” he said.
Germany echoed this position ahead of meetings in Washington, with Foreign Minister Johann Wadehpul stating that the future of Greenland is exclusively up to Greenland and Denmark. German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil stressed that NATO allies are strengthening Arctic security together, not against each other.
NATO Supreme Allied Commander General Alexus Grynkewich confirmed that the alliance is holding “healthy dialogues” on Greenland, while noting that no immediate threat to NATO territory exists. Grynkewich highlighted the strategic importance of the Arctic, citing Russian and Chinese military activity, although Nordic diplomats have disputed claims of vessels near Greenland, saying intelligence shows no such presence.
Greenland, which gained home rule in 1979, has consistently stated that its people must decide the island’s future, with the majority opposing U.S. control. Trump has repeatedly argued that controlling Greenland is crucial for U.S. national security, citing alleged Russian and Chinese activity — claims not supported by publicly available intelligence or vessel tracking data.
European capitals are coordinating to reinforce NATO unity and Arctic security, while asserting that Greenland’s sovereignty cannot be overridden by external threats.
