Europe Confronts U.S. Pressure Over Greenland, Warning of an Unprecedented Security Crisis

European and NATO officials are intensifying diplomatic and security efforts in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s escalating threats to forcibly acquire Greenland—a move leaders across Europe describe as an “existential threat” to the transatlantic alliance.

Across multiple statements and high‑level meetings, EU leaders, NATO officials, and the governments of Denmark and Greenland have warned that any attempt by the United States to seize the semi‑autonomous Danish territory would violate international law, undermine NATO’s founding principles, and potentially fracture the alliance itself.

Mounting Alarm in Europe

Senior European figures—including former European Commissioner Margrethe Vestager—have cautioned that a military move by one NATO member against another would be unprecedented and could “be the most existential threat to NATO we have ever seen”. Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly rejected U.S. claims that the island is for sale or inadequately defended.

France, Germany, Sweden, and other European states have begun reinforcing their presence in the Arctic through joint exercises and deployments, signalling a coordinated effort to deter any unilateral U.S. action.

Greenland’s Leaders Reject U.S. Claims

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens‑Frederik Nielsen has reiterated that the island “does not want to be owned or governed by the United States,” responding to Trump’s remarks that the U.S. would acquire Greenland “whether they like it or not”. Public protests in Greenland have followed, reflecting widespread local opposition.

NATO’s Delicate Balancing Act

NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte has attempted to downplay the crisis, insisting the alliance is “not at all” in crisis while acknowledging the seriousness of the situation and the need to strengthen Arctic security discussions. However, multiple NATO diplomats and former officials warn that a U.S. attack on Denmark would fall outside any existing treaty framework and could effectively end the alliance.

Broader Geopolitical Stakes

The U.S. administration argues that controlling Greenland is essential to counter Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic, though European intelligence assessments largely dispute claims of imminent threats from either country.

European leaders, joined by Canada, have issued joint statements affirming that “Greenland belongs to its people” and that only Denmark and Greenland can decide the island’s future.

Diplomatic Efforts Intensify

U.S. Vice President JD Vance is set to host emergency talks with Danish and Greenlandic officials in Washington, following a series of tense exchanges and bipartisan efforts in the U.S. Congress to block any attempt to annex the territory without Denmark’s consent.

Despite these efforts, the White House maintains that “all options,” including military force, remain under consideration.