EU and NATO Stay Silent on Greenland Amid Trump’s Threats

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Denmark has successfully persuaded the European Union (EU) and NATO to maintain a "vow of silence" on Greenland, following a series of provocative threats made by US President Donald Trump regarding the Arctic island. A report by the Financial Times on Tuesday revealed that Copenhagen had requested its European allies avoid commenting publicly on Trump’s claims to acquire Greenland, which has raised international concerns.

This unprecedented move by Denmark, closely coordinated with NATO and EU officials, underscores the difficult diplomatic balancing act facing US allies when confronting Trump's aggressive rhetoric and tactics. According to sources familiar with the matter, Copenhagen’s priority was to avoid escalating tensions or provoking a direct confrontation with the US president, who has already made waves with his recent comments.

Trump’s remarks followed a tense 45-minute phone call with Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, during which he not only threatened tariffs but also hinted at the possibility of seizing Greenland by force. He ridiculed Copenhagen's defense capabilities, famously mocking the country’s reliance on “dog sleighs” to secure the island, which hosts the largest US military presence in the Arctic.

While the Danish government initially perceived Trump's comments as a bargaining tactic related to geopolitical maneuvering in the Arctic — particularly in light of Russia and China’s growing influence in the region — the situation has now taken a more serious turn. Danish and EU officials are concerned about the broader implications of any sovereignty violation if NATO or the EU remain silent.

In light of these concerns, both NATO and the EU have opted for a cautious approach. Instead of issuing a public condemnation of Trump's remarks, officials have decided to downplay the issue, hoping to avoid further escalating the crisis.

A senior European official was quoted saying, “A low profile seems to be the safest bet with Trump. Hopefully, he will be distracted by something else.”

As the geopolitical stakes rise in the Arctic, this episode highlights the delicate and often tense diplomatic dynamics that characterize the relationship between the US and its European allies under Trump’s leadership.