Germany has moved to calm fears of a potential US takeover of Greenland, following President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about seizing the island from Denmark, a NATO ally.
Speaking after a meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said there is no serious indication that the United States is planning a unilateral military action.
“Rather, I believe there is a shared interest in addressing security concerns in the Arctic region,” Wadephul told reporters. “NATO is currently developing more concrete plans on this, which will be discussed jointly with our US partners.”
The diplomat’s comments come ahead of Washington talks this week with top officials from Denmark and Greenland, the latter an autonomous territory of Denmark.
Trump has stirred controversy in recent days by asserting that the US will take Greenland “one way or the other,” adding that it could be done “the nice way or the more difficult way.” In response, Greenland’s government reaffirmed that it would never accept a US takeover under any circumstances.
Meanwhile, both Greenland and NATO announced efforts to strengthen the defense of the Arctic territory, a key concern highlighted by Trump, who has frequently cited Russia and China’s increasing presence in the region. Some analysts note that Trump’s statements also reflect a broader interest in expanding US-controlled land.
At the heart of this story is more than geopolitical maneuvering. It’s about respecting the sovereignty of nations and territories, even as powerful countries discuss strategic interests. For Greenlanders, the island is home, culture, and identity — not a bargaining chip. The international community’s challenge is balancing security concerns while honoring the rights and voices of those who live on these lands.
