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Terrified of Trump, Denmark reiterates: "Greenland is not for sale"

Danish Prime Minister Mette Fredriksen firmly rejected U.S. attempts to acquire Greenland, reaffirming that the autonomous territory remains part of Denmark and "is not for sale."

Greenland is not for sale
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Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called for "collective and robust" EU response to U.S. pressure over Greenland during Monday's defense summit in Brussels, amid growing tensions over President Trump's renewed push to acquire the Arctic territory.

"I will never support the idea of fighting allies," Frederiksen declared, while firmly maintaining that "Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders" and is "not for sale." The statement follows Trump's suggestion of potential military action to secure the territory, which he claims is needed "for national security purposes."

Recent polling shows overwhelming opposition among Greenlanders to U.S. control, with 85% against becoming part of the United States and only 6% in favor. However, about two-thirds of Greenland's 57,000 residents support independence from Denmark, according to a 2019 survey showing 67.7% backing for sovereignty.

Denmark's Response:

- Announces 14.6 billion kroner ($2 billion) Arctic defense package

- Three new naval vessels planned

- Enhanced surveillance drones and satellite capabilities

- Joint development with Greenland and Faroe Islands governments

The summit, attended by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, focused on EU-U.S. relations amid growing concerns over Trump's approach to international alliances.

Greenland's strategic importance has increased as climate change opens new shipping routes and resource opportunities. The territory already hosts a major U.S. military base, but Trump's recent rhetoric, including refusing to rule out military action, has strained diplomatic relations.

Janus Chemnitz Kleist, an IT manager for the Greenland government, expressed concern about Trump's stance: "That makes us dig in our heels and say, 'Please control yourself.' Some people who might previously have had a positive attitude towards closer ties with the United States have started reconsidering."

The dispute occurs against a backdrop of historical tensions between Denmark and Greenland, including recent revelations about past Danish policies toward the indigenous population. These issues have complicated the relationship between Copenhagen and Nuuk, even as both sides work to address security challenges in the Arctic region.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned against escalating tensions: "There are no winners in trade wars. If the U.S. starts a trade war, then the one laughing on the side is China."

ABC, BBC and Reuters contributed to this article.


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