Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reaffirmed her country's firm and clear position on recent developments concerning Greenland, noting that Copenhagen welcomes the continuation of a "constructive dialogue with its allies," foremost among them the United States and NATO, on security and economic issues in the Arctic region, provided that this is done within the framework of full respect for Danish territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Frederiksen's decisive remarks came in an official statement responding to reports circulating about a potential agreement between the US administration and NATO concerning the world's largest island. The Prime Minister clarified, "We can negotiate on all political matters: security, investments, and the economy... but we cannot negotiate our sovereignty... and I have been informed that this was not on the table," thus putting an end to speculation about the possibility of relinquishing sovereignty.
The strategic importance of the Arctic
These statements come at a time of growing international interest in the Arctic region, which has become a hotbed of geopolitical competition among the great powers. As the ice melts due to climate change, new shipping lanes have opened up, and the vast natural resources lying beneath the ice, such as oil, gas, and rare earth minerals, are becoming more accessible. The United States views Greenland as a vital strategic stronghold for North American security, particularly given the presence of Thule Air Base in the north of the island, a key component of the missile early warning system.
Historical background and past tensions
American interest in Greenland is not new. In 1946, President Harry Truman offered to buy the island for $100 million in gold, an offer Denmark rejected. The debate resurfaced in 2019 when US President Donald Trump revived the idea of purchasing the island, sparking a brief diplomatic row between Washington and Copenhagen, with Frederiksen describing the proposal as "absurd." Nevertheless, Denmark has always been keen to maintain a strong strategic relationship with Washington within NATO, balancing its alliance commitments with the rights of Greenland's inhabitants.
Legal status of Greenland
It is worth noting that Greenland has enjoyed extensive self-governance since 2009, with its local government managing internal affairs and natural resources, while foreign policy and defense remain the purview of Copenhagen. Observers emphasize that any future dialogue concerning the island must directly involve the Greenlandic government, as the local population refuses to be treated as pawns in international politics and insists that any investments or security arrangements must serve the island's development and the well-being of its people.
