Story by Bahari Duniya | Written by Ranjan Sharma
Washington Correspondent: Just hours after senior Trump aide Stephen Miller boldly claimed that the United States has a “right” over Greenland, leaders from eight European nations issued a rare joint statement on Tuesday, reaffirming Denmark’s sovereignty and Greenland’s self-determination.
“Greenland belongs to its people. Decisions regarding Greenland and Denmark rest solely with Denmark and Greenland,” the statement declared, coming from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Denmark, and the U.K. The statement marked a striking pushback against the US stance, putting the decades-old transatlantic alliance at a tense crossroads.
Miller, in remarks made on CNN, challenged Denmark’s authority over Greenland while insisting that the Trump administration considers the Arctic territory a potential part of the United States—a position that immediately drew condemnation across Europe.
“On what grounds does Denmark claim authority over Greenland? What legal or historical basis supports their control?” Miller asked during his CNN appearance. “The United States is the leading NATO power. To safeguard the Arctic and protect NATO interests, it is only logical that Greenland should fall under American jurisdiction.” When pressed repeatedly on whether military action was being considered, Miller dismissed the idea, belittling Greenland’s population of roughly 30,000 and insisting,
“We wouldn’t need force…no one is going to confront the United States over Greenland. ”European leaders, while firmly rejecting the US position, responded cautiously, emphasizing shared NATO responsibilities in the Arctic rather than threatening confrontation.
Their joint statement highlighted that Arctic security must be maintained collectively, in cooperation with the United States, and in line with the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of borders. “These are universal norms, and we remain committed to defending them,” the statement added, underlining Europe’s determination to uphold international law without escalating tensions.
“NATO has consistently emphasized that the Arctic is a strategic priority, and European allies are responding accordingly. We, along with other members, have expanded our presence, operations, and investments to ensure the region’s security and deter potential threats. The Kingdom of Denmark—including Greenland—remains an integral part of NATO,” the statement said.
Several European leaders have spoken even more forcefully on the matter. Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, warned that any American attempt to seize Greenland would strike at the heart of the alliance itself. Germany’s Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, cautioned that a US move on Greenland could trigger a confrontation with Europe,
underscoring that NATO members are obligated to defend Denmark if it were attacked. “Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. As such, and because Denmark is a NATO member, Greenland falls under NATO’s collective defense commitments,” Wadephul added, leaving little doubt about Europe’s stance.
Greenland, a Danish territory from 1721 until 1953, is today an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark, operating under the framework known as the Rigsfællesskab, or “Unity of the Realm.” While Greenland exercises broad self-governance, Denmark retains control over foreign affairs, defense, national security, and monetary policy. Until the Trump administration, no US government had openly questioned this longstanding arrangement.
Related Video: Trump says U.S. ‘needs Greenland’ following military action in Venezuela
Stephen Miller faced intense scrutiny over the White House’s stance on Greenland after his wife, a former White House aide, posted a map on social media showing Greenland draped in US colors with the word “Soon”—echoing the timing of the US operation in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Miller’s response was stark and unsettling, asserting a US “right” to Greenland, a statement that has sent shockwaves through global capitals and raised the unspoken question on everyone’s mind: who could be next?