European Parliament President Roberta Metsola reaffirmed the European Union’s support for Denmark and Greenland, pushing back against growing pressure from the United States and warning that recent threats risk destabilizing Arctic security rather than strengthening it.
Speaking to members of the European Parliament, Metsola said the EU stands “united in our resolve” behind Denmark and the people of Greenland, as tensions have escalated in recent days over Greenland’s future and U.S. measures directed at Copenhagen. While noting that the issue will be formally debated later in the week, she stressed that Greenland’s status is not negotiable.
“Greenland and Denmark have both made clear that Greenland is not for sale, that their sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected, and that this fact will not change,” Metsola said, underscoring that any challenge to that position risks undermining regional stability.
United in our support for Denmark and the people of Greenland. pic.twitter.com/Cu8zjY1li7
— Roberta Metsola (@EP_President) January 19, 2026
Metsola cautioned that measures threatened by the U.S. administration over the weekend, including economic pressure, would not improve security in the Arctic and could instead have the opposite effect. She emphasized that security in the region can be strengthened without questioning Denmark’s sovereignty or Greenland’s self-determination, and without resorting to tools such as tariffs.
Recalling the recent visit of Greenland’s prime minister to the European Parliament, Metsola reiterated Europe’s commitment to partnership with the island’s population. “When the people of Greenland look to Europe, they will find understanding and partnership,” she said, reaffirming that message in light of current tensions.
While defending Denmark and Greenland, Metsola also stressed the importance of the transatlantic relationship, acknowledging that many in Europe and the United States remain committed to close cooperation. She said Europe recognizes the need to take on greater responsibility for defense and security, including in the Arctic, noting that the EU has increased defense measures and spending in response to evolving threats.
Metsola argued that lasting transatlantic and Arctic security depends on cooperation rather than unilateral pressure. “We know that transatlantic and Arctic security can be achieved without the destabilising impact of calling Greenland’s and Denmark’s sovereignty into question,” she said, adding that major global challenges are best addressed when Europe and the United States act in coordination, even amid disagreements.
She concluded by rejecting the notion that Europe’s measured response reflects weakness. “Europe will always be open to discussion in a spirit of mutual respect,” Metsola said. “Some will mistake our calm, restraint, and dialogue for weakness. They are wrong. It is the opposite.”
“We are Europe,” she added, “and we will always stand up for our way—rationally, confidently, and deliberately. And we will make no apologies for that.”
