Denmark seeks cooperation from Europe as Trump's Greenland-capture threat looms

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen began her European tour on Tuesday to boost the nation's defence capabilities, especially around Greenland, an autonomous territory and a critical Arctic region.

Frederiksen will stop in Berlin, Paris, and Brussels, where she is scheduled to meet Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg. The tour comes in the light of US President Donald Trump saying he might consider the use of force to take over Greenland, a Danish territory.

On Monday, the Danish government revealed a 14.6 billion kroner (approximately $2 billion) defence agreement. The deal includes three Arctic naval vessels, two additional long-range surveillance drones, and enhanced satellite capacity. The deal involves Greenland and the Faeroe Islands, with an emphasis on protecting sovereignty and supporting local economies, the defence ministry said.

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While Frederiksen did not directly address fTrump’s previous remarks about potentially acquiring Greenland, she stressed the importance of European unity in facing security challenges. Speaking in Berlin alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Frederiksen said, “We are facing a more uncertain reality that demands greater European cooperation and responsibility for our security.”

Denmark’s defence minister Troels Lund Poulsen also noted that an increased military presence in the Arctic is crucial due to rising security concerns, particularly Russia’s activities in Ukraine and the Arctic region. Greenland’s minister of statehood and foreign affairs Vivian Motzfeldt welcomed the measures, saying they signify a step towards enhanced regional security, according to the Associated Press.