Brussels: The leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the UK, and Denmark affirmed in a joint statement today that Greenland belongs to its people, and that only Denmark and Greenland can make decisions regarding the island's future and its relations.
According to Qatar News Agency, the statement, published by the Danish Foreign Ministry, stressed that security in the Arctic region remains a key priority for Europe and is crucial for international and transatlantic security. The statement also said that NATO has confirmed that the Arctic region is a top priority, and that European allies are taking effective steps to enhance security there, with many allies, including European countries, increasing their presence, activities, and investments to ensure Arctic security and deter any potential threats.
The European leaders also noted that Denmark, including Greenland, is part of NATO, and that achieving security in the Arctic must be done collectively and in cooperation with allies, including the United States, while adhering to the principles of the UN Charter, which include sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-violation of borders, stressing that these principles are universal and they are committed to defending them always. They affirmed that the US was a key partner in that regard, especially given the Greenland Defense Agreement it signed with Denmark in 1951.
The statement comes following disagreement over the future of Greenland after remarks made by US President Donald Trump that his country could annex the island.