For Denmark and its citizens, the sale could mean a leap in prosperity on a historic scale, possibly making it the richest country in Europe, the politician said.
He emphasized that Greenland is geographically part of North America and plays a key role in the US security system, while the island's connection with Denmark is post-colonial in nature.
“Copenhagen governs an area on the other side of the world. This has nothing in common with modern European governance,” he said.
According to Gauweiler, Denmark could now receive a huge amount of money for something it may have to give up without any compensation.
Context
Trump has repeatedly said that the United States must get control over Greenland, otherwise it will allegedly be captured by China and the Russian Federation. He also said that the US could use military force to take over Greenland.
Against the backdrop of statements by the American president, a number of countries, in particular Denmark, Germany, France, Sweden, Norway, The Netherlands and Great Britain sent military personnel to Greenland for reconnaissance purposes in preparation for military exercises. In response, Trump announced on January 17 the introduction duties for a number of European countries.
On the same day, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK released a joint statement in which they noted that such actions by the American president undermine transatlantic relations.
