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Danish premier embarks on European diplomacy tour to counter Trump's Greenland ambitions

10:3128/01/2025, Tuesday
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Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen

Mette Frederiksen set to meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin, French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Brussels

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen embarked on a high-level diplomatic tour across Europe on Tuesday to rally support against renewed interest from US President Donald Trump in acquiring Greenland—a Danish territory rich in minerals and strategically located in the Arctic.

Frederiksen is set to meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin, French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Brussels during a whirlwind day of diplomacy aimed at countering Trump's escalating rhetoric, Politico reported.

The US president has not ruled out using military or economic measures to claim the island, sparking alarm in Copenhagen.

"Denmark is a small country with strong alliances. Together with our European partners, we have faced great trials before, and European cooperation has proven its worth in handling crises," Frederiksen was quoted by the media outlet as saying on Tuesday morning.

She emphasized the need for unity amid shifting geopolitical realities, including the war in Europe and rising competition in the Arctic.

“Europe must be able to do much more on its own,” she added, underscoring Denmark's commitment to strengthening both national and regional security.


- Tensions over Greenland

Greenland, a territory under Danish sovereignty since 1953, has drawn Trump's interest due to its strategic location and vast mineral resources.

The Financial Times reported last week that Frederiksen and Trump engaged in a tense 45-minute phone call about the issue, leaving officials in Copenhagen deeply concerned.

Trump first floated the idea of acquiring Greenland during his initial term in office, an idea Denmark rejected outright. However, his return to the White House has revived fears of a more aggressive push to secure control over the island.


- Strengthening Arctic security

Amid rising tensions, the Danish government announced a €2 billion (approximately $2.09 billion) package on Monday to bolster Arctic and North Atlantic security. The plan includes three new Arctic ships, long-range drones, and enhanced satellite capabilities to monitor the region.

Copenhagen's move comes as both Russia and China also seek to expand their influence in the Arctic, further complicating the polar security landscape.

Frederiksen's diplomatic outreach follows a Sunday meeting with other Nordic leaders, where Arctic security and European unity were key topics.

"In such a time, unity is crucial," Frederiksen said, reiterating Denmark's commitment to working closely with its European partners to address the challenges facing the region.

#Emmanuel Macron
#Europe
#Greenland
#Mark Rutte
#Mette Frederiksen
#NATO
#Olaf Scholz
#US
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