Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said on Saturday that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and rejected U.S. tariff threats aimed at allies, emphasizing that such measures have no place among NATO partners.
“Threats have no place among allies,” Støre said. “Norway’s position is firm: Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Norway fully supports the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark.”
His comments follow U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement earlier this week that Denmark and several European allies would face tariffs beginning Feb. 1, 2026, unless Greenland is sold to the United States. The tariffs would rise to 25% in June if no agreement is reached. Trump has framed the island as vital to U.S. national security, citing its Arctic location, mineral resources, and the growing presence of Russia and China in the region.
Støre stressed that Arctic security is a collective responsibility for NATO and European allies. “There is broad agreement in NATO on the need to strengthen security in the Arctic, including in Greenland,” he said.
Denmark has intensified its military presence in and around Greenland since the summer of 2025, conducting exercises with allies including Norway, Sweden, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. The initiatives involve land, sea, and air deployments, aimed at protecting critical infrastructure, strengthening Arctic operational capabilities, and deterring Russian activity. Danish officials coordinate these activities closely with Greenlandic authorities.
Trump’s remarks have sparked public protests in both Denmark and Greenland. On Jan. 17, thousands of demonstrators marched in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, carrying flags and banners reading “Greenland is not for sale,” while Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen addressed the crowd. In Copenhagen, an estimated 20,000 protesters marched to the U.S. embassy, chanting “Hands off Greenland” and “No means no.”
European leaders have broadly condemned the U.S. tariff threat, emphasizing territorial integrity and unity among NATO allies. Norway, like other countries in the alliance, has called for dialogue and coordination rather than economic coercion.
Støre’s statement reflects a growing alignment among NATO members in opposing unilateral U.S. actions that could destabilize Arctic security at a time when the region is facing heightened military activity from Russia and strategic interest from China.
