Europe Unites Behind Greenland Amid Trump’s Renewed Threat to Seize the Arctic Island

European allies, including France and Germany, have begun coordinating closely on how to respond if the United States moves forward with its threat to take control of Greenland. The unusual show of unity reflects mounting concern across Europe over President Donald Trump’s renewed ambitions in the strategically vital Arctic region.

A US military takeover of Greenland—currently an autonomous territory under Danish sovereignty—would represent an unprecedented shock to the NATO alliance. Such a move would not only undermine trust among allies but also significantly widen the already visible rift between European capitals and the White House.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed that the issue would be discussed later in the day during talks with the foreign ministers of Germany and Poland, underscoring the urgency with which Europe is treating the situation.

“We want to take action, but we want to do so together with our European partners,” Barrot said during an interview with France Inter radio, emphasizing that any response to Washington must be coordinated and collective.

Echoing this stance, a German government source said Berlin was “closely working together with other European countries and Denmark on the next steps regarding Greenland.” The comments highlight a rare moment of alignment among European powers on a sensitive geopolitical issue involving the United States.

In recent days, leaders from Canada and several key European nations have publicly voiced support for Greenland, insisting that the Arctic island belongs to its people. Their statements followed Trump’s latest remarks suggesting that the United States could assert control over the territory.

Trump Revives His Longstanding Greenland Ambition

President Trump first floated the idea of taking over Greenland in 2019 during his initial term in office. While the proposal was widely dismissed at the time, Trump has once again revived the ambition, arguing that Denmark has failed to adequately protect the island and that Greenland is critical to US military and strategic interests.

Despite firm opposition from European leaders, the White House confirmed on Tuesday that Trump had reopened discussions on how the United States might acquire Greenland. Officials acknowledged that various options were being explored, including the potential use of US military power.

Barrot, however, suggested that Washington’s top diplomat had attempted to calm European fears. According to the French minister, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ruled out the possibility of a military invasion during a recent phone call.

“I myself was on the phone yesterday with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who confirmed that this was not the approach being taken,” Barrot said. “He ruled out the possibility of an invasion of Greenland.”

Nevertheless, concerns remain high in Europe, particularly after a recent US military operation that resulted in the capture of a Venezuelan leader over the weekend. That action has heightened anxiety that Washington could pursue similarly aggressive tactics elsewhere.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior US official revealed that Trump and his advisers were actively debating multiple pathways to acquire Greenland, including a potential purchase. Both Denmark and Greenland’s leadership have categorically rejected the idea, stating that the island is not for sale.

In response, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt have formally requested an urgent meeting with Secretary of State Rubio to address the escalating situation.

“We would like to add some nuance to the conversation,” Rasmussen wrote on social media. “A more rational discussion must replace the shouting match. Now.”

Denmark Pushes Back as Greenland’s Strategic Value Comes Into Focus

Greenland, the world’s largest island, is home to just around 57,000 people. While it enjoys a high degree of autonomy, it is covered by Denmark’s NATO membership rather than being a separate member of the alliance.

Its strategic importance, however, far outweighs its population size. Located between Europe and North America, Greenland has long played a critical role in the United States’ ballistic missile defense system. Its vast mineral resources also align with Washington’s broader objective of reducing dependence on china.

Denmark has strongly rejected Trump’s repeated claims that Chinese and Russian vessels are increasingly operating in Greenland’s surrounding waters.

“The image being painted of Russian and Chinese ships deep inside the Nuuk fjord and massive Chinese investments is simply not correct,” Rasmussen told reporters late Tuesday.

Independent vessel-tracking data from MarineTraffic and LSEG appears to support Denmark’s position, showing no Chinese or Russian ships currently operating near Greenland.

As diplomatic tensions rise, Europe’s unified backing of Greenland sends a clear signal: any attempt to redraw borders or assert control through force would face stiff resistance—not just from Denmark, but from a broad coalition of US allies determined to defend international norms and alliance unity.