Danish PM Criticizes U.S. Bid to Claim Greenland, Calls for Respect of International Law

Oslo, Apr 4 ,2025: Accusing the United States of applying “pressure and threats” on Denmark and Greenland, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Thursday strongly rejected U.S. efforts to assert control over Greenland, citing violations of international law.

“You cannot claim another country’s territory – not even under the guise of global security,” Frederiksen stated at a press conference in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital. “Sovereignty, national borders, and territorial integrity are fundamental to international law. These principles were established post-World War II to protect smaller nations from coercion by larger ones.”

Frederiksen also voiced serious concerns about Washington’s tactics, stating, “When an ally seeks to take over part of the Kingdom of Denmark’s territory and subjects us to undue pressure, we must question the motives of a nation we have long admired.”

The live-broadcasted press conference, covered by Danish broadcaster DR, was held amid ongoing interest from U.S. President Donald Trump in acquiring Greenland, a self-governing territory under Danish sovereignty.

Mute Egede, Greenland’s outgoing prime minister, stood alongside Frederiksen and incoming leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen, endorsing Denmark’s firm stance while emphasizing the strengthening of Greenland-Denmark relations. “Despite challenges, our cooperation is growing. In today’s geopolitical climate, trusted allies must unite to defend shared values,” Egede stated.

While Frederiksen used strong rhetoric against the U.S., she maintained openness to diplomatic engagement, expressing willingness to hold future discussions with Trump.

Her visit follows U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s recent trip to Pituffik Space Base in northwest Greenland (formerly Thule Base), where he criticized Denmark for insufficient efforts in Arctic security and Greenlandic welfare.

Coinciding with Vance’s visit, Greenland announced the formation of a new autonomous government. A coalition of four political parties, holding 23 of 31 parliamentary seats, has appointed Jens-Frederik Nielsen of the Demokraatit (Democratic Party) as the new prime minister.

Greenland, a former Danish colony, became an integral part of Denmark in 1953. It gained home rule in 1979, expanding its self-governance, though Denmark retains control over foreign policy and defense matters.