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EU leaders back Denmark after Trump names envoy to push U.S. claim on Greenland

23.12.2025 14:45
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council chief Antonio Costa expressed full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland on Monday, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s appointment of an envoy tasked with bringing the Arctic island under U.S. control.
The dispute marks a new low in U.S.-Danish relations, coming one year after Trump, then president-elect, first suggested the U.S. should acquire the Arctic territory. The proposal has triggered ongoing diplomatic tensions and sparked anti-American protests in Greenland.
The dispute marks a new low in U.S.-Danish relations, coming one year after Trump, then president-elect, first suggested the U.S. should acquire the Arctic territory. The proposal has triggered ongoing diplomatic tensions and sparked anti-American protests in Greenland.Photo: Shutterstock/dibrova

“The security of the Arctic remains one of the European Union’s key priorities, and we aim to work with allies and partners in this regard,” the two EU leaders said in a joint statement posted on social media.

They emphasized that territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law, calling them “essential not only for the EU but for nations around the world.”

Trump on Sunday appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as U.S. envoy for Greenland, claiming Landry “understands how important Greenland is to U.S. national security.” In a post on social media, Landry said his mission would be to “bring Greenland into the United States.”

Denmark’s Foreign Ministry responded Monday by summoning the U.S. ambassador for talks. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said the United States “cannot interfere in Denmark’s internal affairs” and reminded that Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.

The dispute marks a new low in U.S.-Danish relations, coming one year after Trump, then president-elect, first suggested the U.S. should acquire the Arctic territory. The proposal has triggered ongoing diplomatic tensions and sparked anti-American protests in Greenland.

(jh)

Source: Polskie Radio, PAP