'End of NATO': Denmark warns US over Donald Trump's Greenland ambitions

Copenhagen: The tussle between the US and Europe over Greenland has now escalated to open warnings. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has stated unequivocally that if the US seizes Greenland, it would mean the end of the NATO military alliance.

Why is Denmark angry with the US?

Her statement came after US President Donald Trump's recent announcement that he intends to bring the strategically important and resource-rich Arctic island under US control within the next 20 days.

Trump also mocked Denmark's efforts to enhance Greenland's security, further deepening resentment in Europe. Following Frederiksen's statement, European leaders openly supported Denmark and Greenland and criticized the US pressure.

Frederiksen and Greenland's Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen reacted sharply to Trump's comments, warning of serious consequences.  

Speaking to the Danish state channel TV2, Frederiksen said, "If the US attacks another NATO country, everything will stop. That includes the end of NATO." 

She emphasized that Trump should not be taken lightly and that threatening Greenland and Denmark in this way is unacceptable.

Meanwhile, Nielsen said at a news conference that Greenland cannot be compared to Venezuela. He appealed to the people to remain calm and united, stating that it would not be easy for the US to seize Greenland overnight. Unease in Europe
Trump's hasty actions regarding Denmark-Greenland have caused a stir across Europe. Several countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom, have supported Greenland's sovereignty. European leaders said in a joint statement that Greenland's future should be decided by Denmark and its people. NATO has also clarified that the security of the Arctic region is a priority and can only be strengthened through cooperation.

How has US government reacted?

However, the White House Deputy Chief of Staff clarified that Greenland's acquisition by the US is necessary for "strategic security." He stated that the president has been reiterating for several months that US control of Greenland is essential for developing a comprehensive security framework there.

How has Venezuela raid affected Trump’s image? 

Trump's global intentions have become even clearer after the recent US military operation in Venezuela. After Nicolás Maduro was brought to the US in an extraordinary military operation on Saturday night, fears deepened in Europe that Greenland could be the next target.

Is the US military present in Greenland?

The US Department of Defense has been operating the Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland since 1951, from where it conducts missile warning, missile defense, and space surveillance operations for NATO. 

Denmark is a major buyer of American weapons and recently purchased F-35 fighter jets. Furthermore, the Danish Parliament has approved a bill granting greater access to US military bases on its territory.