The heads of government of Denmark, Spain, Germany, Poland, Great Britain and Italy, as well as the president of France, assessed that the Arctic region plays a strategic role in the international and transatlantic security system.
“NATO has clearly recognized the Arctic as a priority area of operations“- wrote in the statement, while emphasizing that European members of the Alliance have increased their involvement in this area.
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NATO and cooperation with the USA
European leaders stressed that Arctic security should be achieved in cooperation with NATO members, including the United States. The statement recalled the principles of the United Nations Charter, such as respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, which are the foundation of international action. “We will not stop protecting them” – declared the leaders.
The document also highlights the importance of the United States as a key partner in ensuring Arctic stability. The defense cooperation agreement between Denmark and the USA from 1951, which regulates military issues in the region, was recalled.
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Greenland in the spotlight
“Greenland belongs to its people. Only Denmark and Greenland can make decisions regarding Denmark and Greenland” – emphasized in the statement. This statement was a reaction to the controversial words of US President Donald Trump, who in an interview for “The Atlantic” magazine referred to the possibility of Greenland joining the United States.
Trump, asked about previous declarations regarding Greenland, stated that the island was of strategic defense importance. — We need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defense reasons — said the US president, adding that the island is “surrounded by Chinese and Russian ships.”
Reactions from Denmark and Greenland
Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen described Trump's words as a sign of disrespect. A similar position was taken by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who appealed to the US administration to refrain from threats against Greenland. Frederiksen warned that a possible US military attack on a NATO country could completely paralyze the functioning of the Alliance.
Greenland, an autonomous territory dependent on Denmark, plays an important role in the NATO security system. Denmark, as a member of the Alliance since 1949, remains one of the key players in the Arctic region, which is becoming increasingly important on the international arena.
