Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has affirmed that his country is committed to defending Greenland’s sovereignty under NATO obligations, following rising tensions between the United States and the autonomous territory. In a press conference on Sunday, Carney expressed concern over the increasing friction between the U.S. and Greenland, stating that Canada would uphold its alliance with NATO rather than prioritizing relations with the U.S. alone.
Carney emphasized the importance of Greenland’s future being decided by its people and the Kingdom of Denmark. “With respect to Greenland, the future of Greenland is a decision for Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark,” he noted. He reiterated Canada’s partnership with Denmark, invoking NATO’s collective defense principles as outlined in Article 5 of the NATO treaty. This article asserts that an armed attack against one member is considered an attack against all, necessitating mutual support, including military assistance if required.
The Canadian Prime Minister’s remarks come amid escalated comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has suggested that the acquisition of Greenland is vital for national security. Trump has articulated concerns that if the U.S. does not secure the mineral-rich island, it could fall into the hands of rival powers such as China or Russia. Despite Trump’s assertions, both Greenland and Denmark have shown little interest in transferring ownership of the territory.
During a joint press conference with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen made it clear that his government prioritizes NATO and European Union ties over American interests. “If we have to choose between the United States and Denmark, we choose Denmark,” Nielsen asserted. He firmly rejected Trump’s proposals to purchase the territory, stating, “Greenland does not want to be owned by the U.S. We choose the Greenland we know today, which is a part of the Kingdom of Denmark.”
In response to the ongoing situation, representatives from Greenland and Denmark met with the Trump administration on March 15, 2024, to discuss the U.S. President’s continued interest in acquiring the island. Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen highlighted the need for the discussions to focus on reconciling American security concerns while respecting Denmark’s territorial integrity. He acknowledged that the U.S. and Danish-Greenlandic delegations have “fundamental differences” regarding the future of the Arctic island.
As tensions persist, several European nations have confirmed their military involvement in Greenland. Countries including France, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Norway, and the Netherlands announced the deployment of personnel to participate in a Danish-led military exercise. Estonia has also expressed readiness to contribute forces if requested.
The military drill is being conducted on an intergovernmental basis, with NATO not officially participating in the operation. This collaborative effort among European nations underscores a collective commitment to regional security and stability in the face of increasing geopolitical tensions.
