Danish PM urges unity with Greenland amid US pressure

IANS April 5, 2025 294 views

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has strongly defended Greenland's connection to Denmark amid increasing US strategic interest. Her recent visit emphasized the importance of unity within the Danish Kingdom while directly challenging US territorial implications. US Vice President JD Vance suggested potential financial incentives for Greenland, raising diplomatic tensions. The situation highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Arctic region, where strategic resources and geographical positioning become increasingly significant.

"You cannot annex other countries -- not even under the pretext of international security" - Mette Frederiksen
Danish PM urges unity with Greenland amid US pressure
Oslo, April 5: Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has called for unity between Denmark and Greenland in response to growing pressure from the United States, emphasising that the two parts of the Kingdom must remain closely aligned to safeguard their shared interests.

Key Points

1

Danish PM visits Greenland to strengthen Kingdom's unity

2

US VP JD Vance signals strategic interest in Arctic territory

3

Greenland remains integral part of Danish Kingdom with limited autonomy

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Diplomatic tensions emerge over potential US territorial intentions

She made the remarks in an interview with Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq during her three-day visit to Greenland from Wednesday to Friday. The visit marked an important step in Denmark's effort to consolidate ties with Greenland.

"There is no doubt that many (people) in Greenland feel unsafe because the insecurity is real," Frederiksen said. "It is a pressure that has unfortunately been created and which we are doing our best to handle."

The Prime Minister said that the most effective response to US pressure is, for Greenland and Denmark, to stick together, reports Xinhua news agency.

"Regardless of what internal discussions we may have within the Realm, we must stand united. That is the clearest signal we can send," she said.

Frederiksen's remarks came as US Vice President JD Vance reaffirmed Washington's growing strategic interest in Greenland. In an interview with American media outlet Newsmax on Thursday, Vance described Greenland as critical to US national security and pledged that the United States would protect its interests there "come hell or high water."

Vance also suggested that the United States could offer financial incentives to Greenlanders, claiming that Denmark currently provides approximately "60,000 (US) per year per person in Greenland." He said that the United States could offer "way more money than that."

At a press conference with Greenlandic officials in Greenland's capital of Nuuk on Thursday, Frederiksen told the United States, "You cannot annex other countries -- not even under the pretext of international security."

She questioned, "When you seek to take over part of the Kingdom (of Denmark)'s territory when we are subjected to pressure and threats by our closest ally, what are we to think about the country we have admired for so many years?"

Greenland, once a Danish colony, became an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953. It was granted home rule in 1979, expanding its autonomy, though Denmark retains control over foreign affairs and defence.

Reader Comments

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Lars J.
Strong words from PM Frederiksen! It's refreshing to see Denmark standing firm against external pressure. Greenland is and should remain Danish territory 🇩🇰
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Anna K.
I understand the strategic importance of Greenland, but the US approach feels so colonial. Money shouldn't be the deciding factor here. Greenlanders deserve respect, not dollar signs.
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Mikael P.
While I support Danish sovereignty, I wish our government would be more transparent about what exactly this "pressure" entails. The public deserves to know the full picture.
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Sofie L.
As a Greenlander, I appreciate Frederiksen's words but actions matter more. Denmark needs to prove they value us beyond just strategic interests. The US attention might force them to treat us better 🤷‍♀️
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Thomas R.
Respectful criticism: The PM's rhetoric is strong but I worry it might escalate tensions unnecessarily. Diplomacy requires careful language, especially with allies. Maybe tone down the "annexation" talk?
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Erik B.
Interesting how Vance throws around numbers about subsidies. Has anyone fact-checked that $60k claim? Sounds exaggerated to me. Classic American negotiation tactic - flash the cash first.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Greenland Denmark US Foreign Policy Mette Frederiksen JD Vance Arctic Geopolitics Territorial Sovereignty
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