Trump Signals Harder Stance on Greenland as European Leaders Push Back

COPENHAGEN / OSLO — Jan 19 (GeokHub) Tensions over Greenland’s future intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump told Norwegian officials he no longer felt bound by an obligation to pursue “peace only” in discussions surrounding the strategically important Arctic territory, according to officials familiar with the matter.

The remarks triggered swift reactions across Europe, with leaders emphasizing international law, sovereignty, and diplomatic restraint amid growing geopolitical unease.

Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, said in a Facebook post that the autonomous territory must be free to determine its own future without external pressure.

“We will not let ourselves be pressured,” Nielsen said. “We stand firm on dialogue, on respect, and on international law.”

Military Activity and Diplomatic Moves

Denmark’s armed forces confirmed that Danish soldiers were set to land in Kangerlussuaq in western Greenland on Monday as part of the previously scheduled Arctic Endurance military exercise, underscoring heightened security awareness in the region.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said he would adjust his schedule to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos later this week, where Trump is also expected to appear. Norway’s foreign minister Espen Barth Eide stressed that Oslo’s position on Greenland would remain unchanged.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he would also seek talks with Trump in Davos, warning that while Berlin wants to avoid a trade confrontation, it would respond if faced with what it considers unreasonable tariffs.

“If we are confronted with tariffs that we consider unreasonable, then we are capable of responding,” Merz said.

EU Considers Countermeasures

European Union leaders are set to meet at an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday to assess their options. Among the measures under discussion is a proposed package of tariffs targeting €93 billion ($108 billion) worth of U.S. imports, which could automatically take effect in early February following a six-month suspension.

Another option is the bloc’s Anti-Coercion Instrument, a powerful but never-used tool that could restrict access to public contracts, investments, financial services, or digital trade — sectors where the United States currently enjoys a surplus with the EU.

EU officials said dialogue with Washington is continuing “at all levels,” but emphasized that no options have been ruled out.

Calls for Calm, Global Reactions

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged restraint and calm discussions between allies, saying he did not believe the United States was preparing military action to seize Greenland.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned European governments against retaliatory steps, calling such a move “very unwise.” He rejected suggestions that Trump’s interest in Greenland was symbolic or personal.

“The president is looking at Greenland as a strategic asset for the United States,” Bessent said.

Russia declined to directly assess the situation but said analysts widely believe any attempt by Trump to assert control over Greenland would mark a defining moment in global history.