- While NATO leaders continue to emphasize unity and the need to address security challenges in the Arctic, Rutte warned that “there is still a lot of work to be done” to clarify the substance of the framework and align the positions of all parties involved.
- As discussions continue, European governments and Greenlandic leaders have reiterated that any future arrangements concerning the Arctic must be based on dialogue, alliance coordination and full respect for sovereignty and international law.
- NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stressed that Greenland’s sovereignty was not up for negotiation. NATO later confirmed that no compromises were suggested regarding Danish sovereignty over the semi-autonomous territory.
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced what he described as a “complex” framework for a deal with NATO concerning Greenland, signaling a shift in tone after weeks of controversial statements about acquiring the Danish Arctic Island for security reasons. However, key details of the proposed framework remain vague, prompting mixed reactions across Europe and Greenland.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Trump said the United States and NATO had agreed on a framework covering Greenland and the wider Arctic region, though he acknowledged that the arrangement was still unclear. When asked whether the deal fulfilled his long-stated desire for the U.S. to take ownership of Greenland, Trump said the situation was “a little bit complex.”
Trump has argued that Greenland is vital to U.S. and NATO security, citing increased Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic. He has linked the proposed framework to broader security goals, including missile defense initiatives and access to critical minerals, while insisting that Moscow and Beijing must be prevented from gaining influence on the island.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who met Trump in Davos, said discussions focused on safeguarding the Arctic but stressed that Greenland’s sovereignty was not up for negotiation. NATO later confirmed that no compromises were suggested regarding Danish sovereignty over the semi-autonomous territory.
“There were no compromises on Greenland’s sovereignty,” a NATO spokesperson said, adding that further talks would focus on ensuring security in the Arctic region.
The announcement came after Trump backed down from a threat to impose 10% tariffs on several European countries, including Denmark, Germany, France and Sweden, which had opposed any attempt to alter Greenland’s status. European leaders broadly welcomed the suspension of the tariffs, viewing it as a step toward de-escalation.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said the day had “ended better than it began,” noting Trump’s pledge not to use force and his decision to pause the tariff measures. He emphasized, however, that any dialogue must respect Denmark’s red lines on sovereignty.
Despite reassurances from NATO and European governments, Trump’s statements triggered concern in Greenland. Aaja Chemnitz, a Greenlandic Inuit member of Denmark’s parliament, criticized the process, warning that Greenland was being sidelined.
“NATO has no mandate whatsoever to negotiate anything without us from Greenland,” she said, adding that Trump’s remarks were creating “total confusion.”
Trump also publicly ruled out the use of military force to take control of Greenland, saying negotiations would proceed without coercion. This pledge helped ease tensions within NATO, though European officials cautioned that uncertainty remains.
German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said Trump’s tariff reversal was driven by domestic and international pressure, as well as growing investor uncertainty. He stressed that Europe had been clear that Greenland’s sovereignty and Denmark’s territorial integrity were non-negotiable.
While NATO leaders continue to emphasize unity and the need to address security challenges in the Arctic, Rutte warned that “there is still a lot of work to be done” to clarify the substance of the framework and align the positions of all parties involved.
As discussions continue, European governments and Greenlandic leaders have reiterated that any future arrangements concerning the Arctic must be based on dialogue, alliance coordination and full respect for sovereignty and international law.
