Denmark receives support from these European countries after Trump's threat over Greenland
Six European allies have rallied behind Denmark after the US President Trumpm renewed its demand for control over Greenland.
The leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Denmark said in a joint statement, "Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland, and only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters related to their mutual relations."
On Sunday, US President Donald Trump said that the US "needs" Greenland for security reasons.
Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, and Denmark is also a member of NATO.
Trump has also not ruled out the possibility of using force to gain control of Greenland.
On Monday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that if the US attacked, it would mean the end of NATO.
Mette Frederiksen said in a statement, "An American occupation of Greenland would mean the end of the NATO military alliance. If the US were to launch a military attack on another NATO country, everything would come to a halt. This would destroy NATO and the security framework established after the Second World War. Trump's statements about Greenland should be taken seriously. We will not accept being threatened in this way."
Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens Frederik Nielsen, has also strongly criticized the US President's recent remarks. He said, "Attempts to control Greenland would have disastrous consequences. Greenland cannot be compared to Venezuela. We are not in a situation where the country can be taken over overnight. That is why we are emphasizing that we want cooperation."
Donald Trump had repeatedly mentioned the idea of acquiring Greenland since taking office as president last January. After a few months of silence, he has now commented on the matter again. On Sunday, he hinted that something would happen regarding Greenland within 20 days. This 20-day deadline has fueled speculation that the US is planning some kind of intervention in Greenland.
Greenland is an island with a population of approximately 57,000. The island has enjoyed a degree of self-governance since 1979, with its own prime minister. However, Greenland's defense and foreign policy remain under the control of Denmark.
There are frequent calls in Greenland for complete independence from Denmark, including the establishment of its own military and independent foreign policy. This does not, however, translate into a desire for closer ties with the United States. There is widespread resentment in Greenland towards American influence and control.