Germany says NATO can bolster Greenland defense amid Trump threats

Tuesday 06 January 2026 - 08:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Germany says NATO can bolster Greenland defense amid Trump threats

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated on Monday that NATO could explore strengthening defenses for Greenland if required, as European allies rallied behind Denmark following President Donald Trump's renewed threats to seize the Danish territory.

Addressing reporters in Lithuania, Wadephul noted that Greenland falls under Denmark's protection through NATO's collective defense commitments. "Since Denmark is a NATO member, Greenland is in principle also covered by NATO defense," he said. "And if there are further requirements to bolster defense efforts regarding Greenland, then we will need to discuss that within the alliance."

Wadephul's remarks came after Trump told The Atlantic on Sunday that the United States "absolutely" needs Greenland for its defense. The president's comments gained fresh urgency following the US military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 3. When asked if the Venezuela action signaled intent to use force in Greenland, Trump replied, "They will have to see for themselves."

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen issued a sharp rebuke on Sunday, urging Washington to "stop the threats against a historically close ally." She warned that a US attack on another NATO country would end "everything, including NATO and the security established since the end of World War II."

The European Union and several member states quickly backed Denmark. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer affirmed that "only Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark" should decide the territory's future. Finnish President Alexander Stubb echoed, "No one decides for Greenland and Denmark except Greenland and Denmark themselves," with similar statements from Swedish and Norwegian leaders. EU spokesperson Anitta Hipper reaffirmed the bloc's commitment to "defending the principles of national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and inviolability of borders."

Trump has voiced interest in acquiring Greenland since his first presidency in 2019. He claims the island faces strategic vulnerabilities, alleging without evidence that it is "surrounded by Russian and Chinese ships." Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen called Trump's linking of the territory to Venezuela "not only wrong but also disrespectful." Denmark already maintains a defense agreement granting the US extensive access to Greenland, including Pituffik Space Base.