January 8, 2026 | 06:40 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - European Union (EU) leaders have reaffirmed support for Greenland amid threats from US President Donald Trump to acquire the island. The statement follows Trump’s emphasis on Greenland's importance to US national security.
As reported by Al Jazeera on Wednesday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told Radio France Inter that European countries would act if the US seizes Greenland from Denmark.
"I myself was on the phone with the [US] Secretary of State [Marco Rubio] yesterday… He discarded the idea that what just happened in Venezuela could happen in Greenland," said Barrot.
Last Saturday, the United States used fighter jets, attack helicopters, and special forces to abduct Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, transporting him to New York City to stand trial on drug trafficking charges.
Trump's decision to approve the abduction of Maduro has sparked condemnation and concerns that Greenland, which the president previously stated should be part of Washington's security apparatus, could be forcibly taken over.
This threat follows US intervention in Venezuela, which the United Nations (UN) deemed a violation of international law, raising concerns that the rhetoric regarding Greenland is not a bluff.
Stephen Miller, Trump's deputy policy chief, told CNN that "Greenland should be part of the United States" because of the island's geostrategic importance in helping Washington fulfill its role as a "NATO power."
"The real question is, by what right does Denmark assert control over Greenland?" he said. "What is the basis of their territorial claim? What is their basis of having Greenland as a colony of Denmark?" Miller asserted.
However, European allies support Greenland's sovereignty, stating that the territory belongs to its people.
European Council President Antonio Costa emphasized that the European Union will support Greenland and Denmark and will not tolerate violations of international law.
According to CNBC, European leaders issued a statement on Tuesday rejecting Trump's plans for Greenland, reaffirming that Arctic security must be achieved collectively.
On Monday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that a US military takeover of Greenland would end the 80-year alliance with the US. Denmark remains responsible for Greenland's defense.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and his counterpart from Greenland, Vivian Motzfeldt, separately requested an urgent meeting with Rubio to discuss the situation.
"We would like to add some nuance to the conversation," Rasmussen wrote in a social media post. "The shouting match must be replaced by a more sensible dialogue. Now."
Many experts believe that a US military takeover of the territory would end the alliance and mark a low point for the strained transatlantic relationship under the Trump administration.
"It would de facto mean that NATO was dead because many European nations would simply say, ‘OK, we cannot rely on the Americans anymore,’" said Peter Viggo Jakobsen, an associate professor at the Royal Danish Defence College as reported by NBC News.
Read: Trump Seeks Record Military Budget of $1.5T
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
US Talk of Greenland Grab Already Damaging NATO
4 jam lalu
Once unthinkable, U.S. military intervention in an ally is now being contemplated under Trump, forcing NATO to rethink its assumptions.
White House: Trump's Greenland Acquisition Plan Aims to Counter China, Russia
5 jam lalu
President Donald Trump's plan to acquire Greenland is aimed at preventing what he describes as Chinese and Russian "aggression" in the Arctic region.
US Secretary of State to Meet Danish Officials Amid Greenland Tensions
10 jam lalu
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he would meet with Danish officials next week to discuss tensions over Greenland
Trump Weighs Military Option to Take Control of Greenland
1 hari lalu
Donald Trump has argued that control of Greenland is a "strategic" necessity.
Danish PM Warns US Attack on Greenland Would End NATO
1 hari lalu
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that a U.S. military move against Greenland would spell the end of NATO.
Greenland Welcomes European Solidarity Amid Trump's Threats
1 hari lalu
Greenland's prime minister has thanked European allies for their backing after renewed claims on the island by US President Donald Trump.
NATO Could End If US Takes Over Greenland, Says Danish PM
1 hari lalu
Denmark's Mette Frederiksen said "everything would stop" in the event of a US attack on another NATO country.
US-Venezuela: Is Greenland Next and Could the EU Protect It?
2 hari lalu
Donald Trump's renewed claims on Greenland are alarming Europe after the US attack on Venezuela.
Coldest Places on Earth: Where Lowest Temperature Hits -98 Degrees Celsius
17 Juli 2025
Explore the coldest places on Earth, where nature's frostbitten extremes offer a fascinating glimpse into the planet's most unforgiving climates.
Top 5 Best Summer Destinations in Europe to Escape the Heat
15 Juli 2025
Want a summer getaway without the sweat? These best summer destinations in Europe offer cool weather, stunning views, and a break from the heat.
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/4548967/original/094336900_1692782124-tanaphong-toochinda-FEhFnQdLYyM-unsplash.jpg)
