On January 6, 2026, a joint statement was issued by President Emmanuel Macron of France, Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy, Prime Minister Donald Tusk of Poland, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of Spain, Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom, and Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark. The statement addresses the security of the Arctic region, with a focus on Greenland, and underscores the collective role of NATO allies in maintaining stability there.
The statement highlights that Arctic security is a key priority for Europe and is essential for both international and transatlantic security. It notes that NATO has designated the Arctic as a priority area, and European allies have been increasing their presence, activities, and investments in the region to ensure its safety and to deter potential adversaries.
The leaders affirm that the Kingdom of Denmark, which includes Greenland, is a member of NATO. They emphasize that security in the Arctic must be achieved collectively, in partnership with NATO allies, including the United States. This approach is grounded in upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter, such as sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of borders. The statement describes these as universal principles that the signatories are committed to defending.
The United States is described as an essential partner in these efforts, both as a NATO ally and through the 1951 defense agreement between the Kingdom of Denmark and the United States. The statement concludes by asserting that Greenland belongs to its people and that decisions concerning Denmark and Greenland are solely for Denmark and Greenland to make.
Context on References to U.S. Interest in Greenland
The joint statement appears to respond to comments made by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in late 2024 regarding Greenland. On December 22, 2024, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that “the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity” for U.S. national security and global freedom. This echoed his earlier interest during his first presidency in 2019, when he suggested the U.S. purchase Greenland from Denmark, citing strategic and security reasons, though the proposal was rejected by Danish officials at the time.
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