US bid to take Greenland ‘remains intact’

Denmark’s prime minister said yesterday the US ambition to take control of Greenland remained “intact” and that there was still a fundamental disagreement between the countries, despite high‑stakes White House talks.

“There is a fundamental disagreement, because the American ambition to take over Greenland remains intact. This is obviously a serious matter, and we are therefore continuing our efforts to prevent this scenario from becoming a reality,” Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in a statement.

European military personnel were due to begin arriving in Greenland yesterday, shortly after the White House talks between American, Danish and Greenlandic officials in Washington failed to resolve “fundamental disagreement” over the mineral-rich, strategic Arctic island.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly vowed to take control of the autonomous Danish territory, arguing that it is vital for US security.

France, Sweden, Germany and Norway announced Wednesday that they would deploy military personnel as part of a reconnaissance mission to Greenland’s capital Nuuk.

“Soldiers of Nato are expected to be more present in Greenland from today and in the coming days. It is expected that there will be more military flights and ships,” Greenland’s deputy prime minister Mute Egede told a news conference on Wednesday, adding they would be “training”.

“The first French military personnel are already on their way. Others will follow,” French President Emmanuel Macron said on X.