EU chief pledges solidarity with Greenland after renewed interest from the US

The EU stands together with Denmark and the Greenlandic people.

That is the message from the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, after an American envoy to Greenland has been appointed.

“Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles in international law. The principles are essential not only for the EU, but for countries all over the world. We stand in full solidarity with Denmark and the Greenlandic people,” von der Leyen writes on X.

She adds that Arctic security is a top priority for the EU, which is keen to work together with allies and partners.

It is the President of the United States, Donald Trump, who has appointed the politician Jeff Landry as envoy to Greenland.

Landry is aware of how crucial Greenland is for the United States’ national security, Trump has said in this connection.

Several times previously, Trump has also spoken about national security in connection with Greenland. He has argued that the United States should take over Greenland, because according to him it is necessary for national security.

Jeff Landry, who is governor of the state of Louisiana, is also an advocate of an American takeover.

“President Donald J. Trump is absolutely right. We must ensure that Greenland becomes part of the United States. Fantastic for them, fantastic for us. Let’s get it done,” he wrote on X in January.

The renewed American interest in Greenland has led Denmark to summon the United States’ ambassador to Denmark, Ken Howery, for a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Before that, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lars Løkke Rasmussen (M), criticized the appointment of Jeff Landry.

“I am deeply upset about this appointment and especially the special envoy’s statements, which I find totally unacceptable,” he said earlier on Monday.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (S) and Greenland’s head of government, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, have also reacted to the development.

“National borders and the sovereignty of states are rooted in international law. These are fundamental principles. You cannot annex other countries. Not even with an argument about international security,” they write in a joint statement.