European leaders defy Donald Trump with bombshell Greenland intervention

European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have firmly rejected Donald Trump’s repeated threats to seize Greenland. On Tuesday, January 6, they issued a joint statement emphasizing that any decisions about Greenland belong solely to Denmark and the island’s people.

The statement, co-signed by leaders from France, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Denmark, was published on the official account of Denmark’s Prime Minister. It highlighted the strategic importance of the Arctic and stressed that security in the region must be maintained collectively through NATO, upholding international law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

“Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland,” the statement said. The signatories included French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

Trump has cited national security concerns, Russian and Chinese activity, Greenland’s strategic location, and its rare earth minerals as reasons for his interest in the territory. Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen called the idea a “fantasy,” stressing that any discussion must respect international law.

UK Labour MP Wes Streeting told Sky News, “The UK and NATO members are doubling down on support for Greenland, its right to self-determination, and its role as part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Greenland is already playing its part in defending collective security.”

Starmer also expressed full support for Denmark, stating that Frederiksen was “right” to refuse any US claim to the territory.

This strong European response underscores the global consensus: Greenland’s sovereignty cannot be undermined, and attempts to annex it would violate international norms.