The British government once demanded the first right to purchase Greenland, citing its proximity to Canada, a British dominion. Fast forward to today, Greenland finds itself at the center of a geopolitical struggle as global warming accelerates the melting of its ice sheets and glaciers. This environmental shift has piqued interest in oil drilling and mining for essential minerals, turning Greenland into a potential hotspot for international competition.
As Arctic ice continues to melt, new shipping routes are emerging, offering alternatives to the Suez Canal. Meanwhile, the Panama Canal is experiencing decreased traffic due to severe drought conditions. These developments intensify Greenland's strategic importance, raising concerns about its future amid growing geopolitical tensions.
Greenland, though possessing a significant degree of autonomy, remains under Danish control. However, its Prime Minister, Múte Egede, has expressed a desire for independence from Denmark. This political aspiration adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding situation. The U.S. maintains a military base and ballistic missile early warning system in Greenland, highlighting its strategic interests in the region.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has been vocal about his interest in acquiring Greenland since his re-election campaign. Despite Denmark's firm refusal to sell, Trump has suggested potential economic threats to Denmark, a NATO ally, to gain control over Greenland. He has also refused to rule out economic or military coercion in his pursuit of both Greenland and the Panama Canal.
"I think we're going to have it" – Donald Trump
In contrast, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has unequivocally stated that Greenland is not for sale. The historical context further complicates matters, as a 1917 agreement between the U.S. and Denmark grants the United Kingdom the first refusal if Denmark were ever to consider selling Greenland.
"We will forever be Danish" – Woodrow Wilson, US president in 1917
Furthermore, Denmark's representative to Greenland, Tom Høyem, has emphasized that Greenland's 57,000 residents have no interest in becoming U.S. citizens. This sentiment underscores the local opposition to any change in national affiliation.
"We understand that the US is a powerful country. We are not. It is up to the US how far they will go. But come what may. We are still going to say no" – Rasmus Jarlov, chair of the Danish parliament's defence committee
The situation has garnered reactions from various European officials who describe the unfolding events as alarming.
"It was horrendous" – one of the sources (a current or former senior European official)
"It was a cold shower" – another source (a current or former senior European official)
"Before, it was hard to take seriously, but I do think it is serious and potentially very dangerous" – one of the sources (a current or former senior European official)