Key European powers have issued a firm rebuke of former U.S. President Donald Trump after he reignited threats to annex Greenland, declaring solidarity with Denmark and the autonomous Arctic territory. The statements, made on Monday, January 5, 2026, underscore deep transatlantic tensions and concerns that such rhetoric violates fundamental principles of the NATO alliance and international law.
European Leaders Rally in Defence of Sovereignty
The diplomatic pushback was swift and coordinated. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer explicitly backed Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who had asserted that Trump has no right to annex Greenland. "I stand with her, and she's right about the future of Greenland," Starmer told Sky News, emphasizing that the island's fate is a matter for Denmark and Greenland alone.
France echoed this position through its Foreign Ministry. Spokesman Pascal Confavreux stated clearly on TF1 that "Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders and the Danes" and that borders cannot be altered by force. Germany's Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, added a crucial strategic dimension, noting that Greenland is fundamentally covered by NATO's mutual defence pact.
Trump's Venezuela Playbook Raises Alarm
The European reaction was amplified by Trump's own comments linking Greenland to his recent military action in Venezuela. On Sunday, Trump suggested the Arctic island could be a subsequent target following the U.S. operation that deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and asserted control over the country.
This connection sparked immediate speculation and concern in European capitals. The European Commission, however, sought to downplay the comparison. Chief spokesperson Paula Pinho argued the situations are vastly different, pointing to Greenland's status as a NATO ally. "We therefore completely stand by Greenland and in no ways do we see a possible comparison with what happened," Pinho stated, while also questioning the legitimacy of Maduro's rule.
Greenland's Premier Delivers a Sharp Rebuke
The strongest words came from Greenland's own leader, Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen. He labelled Trump's threats "completely unacceptable" and declared "enough is enough." In a powerful statement on LinkedIn, Nielsen asserted Greenland's sovereignty: "Our country is not an object in great-power rhetoric. We are a people. A country. A democracy. That must be respected — especially by close and loyal friends."
The unified European stance highlights the unprecedented dilemma a potential U.S. move against Greenland would create. As the leader of NATO, an American military action against another territory within the alliance's defensive umbrella would shatter decades of established security doctrine and international norms.
