The Prime Minister of Greenland has cautioned that while the United States is unlikely to resort to military action against Greenland, the possibility cannot be completely ruled out. This warning comes as former US President Donald Trump reiterated his intention to acquire control of the territory.
Jens-Frederik Nielsen delivered these remarks during a press conference in Nuuk, the capital, where he was accompanied by former Prime Minister Mute B Egede. Egede mentioned that authorities are currently reassessing Greenland’s civil readiness strategies, potentially including a directive for households to maintain a minimum of five days’ worth of food supplies.
“We must anticipate all potential scenarios,” stated Mr. Egede, who now serves in Greenland’s parliament. Both officials emphasized Greenland’s NATO membership and highlighted that any escalation would have repercussions beyond the island. They also condemned Trump’s repeated threats on social media.
Mr. Nielsen criticized Trump’s statements as “disrespectful” and affirmed that Greenland would respond through official diplomatic channels. As of now, there has been no official directive for Greenlanders to stock up on essential provisions.
Furthermore, Mr. Nielsen emphasized the importance of respecting international law and territorial integrity, advocating for unity among Western democratic nations. He expressed gratitude for the support from EU allies and stressed the significance of mutual respect in fostering a reliable partnership.
Trump’s threats have sparked outrage and prompted diplomatic activity in Europe, with leaders contemplating potential counteractions such as retaliatory tariffs and the utilization of the EU’s anti-coercion instrument. Referred to informally as the “trade bazooka,” this instrument could target individuals or entities applying undue pressure on the EU. Additionally, the EU has other economic tools at its disposal, including new tariffs or the suspension of the US-EU trade agreement.
During the Davos conference, French President Macron cautioned that additional tariffs might compel the EU to deploy its anti-coercion mechanism against the US for the first time. He emphasized the importance of focusing on peace efforts in Ukraine and underlined the potency of the anti-coercion instrument in today’s challenging global environment.