Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said a U.S. takeover of Greenland would undermine NATO and embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin, arguing that Europe must move faster toward deeper political and military integration in response to mounting global tensions.
“If Trump takes Greenland, he will make Putin the happiest man,” Sánchez said in an interview with La Vanguardia, warning that such an action would legitimize Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and deal a potentially fatal blow to the NATO alliance.
Sánchez said any U.S. concerns over Arctic security should be addressed through NATO’s existing structures, not unilateral action. “If there is a legitimate concern on the part of the United States about security in the Arctic, this must be raised in the NATO Atlantic Council,” he said.
“If Trump occupies Greenland, he will make Putin the happiest man. Europe must advance in its integration process and equip itself with a truly common defense.”
His comments come amid escalating friction between Washington and several European allies after President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on countries involved in Danish-led military activity in Greenland. Trump has argued the Arctic island is vital to U.S. security and has not ruled out force to secure it, triggering widespread backlash across Europe.
Sánchez said Europe must respond by accelerating integration, including common defense capabilities, even if not all 27 EU member states agree. “Europe must advance in its integration process and equip itself with a truly common defense,” he said, adding that unanimity should not be a requirement. “A number of countries can move forward toward truly European armed forces and a truly European defense industry.”
Asked whether a U.S. invasion of Greenland was realistic, Sánchez said recent rhetoric could not be dismissed. “When you hear and read certain statements, you have to take them seriously,” he said.
Spain has increased defense spending and deployed deterrence forces in Eastern Europe, Sánchez noted, but he rejected calls for dramatically higher military budgets. He said demands for 5% of GDP spending on defense were “unacceptable” and unaffordable, warning against cuts to social and public services.
Pointing to Denmark, which has committed to higher defense spending while now facing U.S. pressure, Sánchez said, “What situation is Denmark in today? Harassed by the United States. What are we talking about?”
Sánchez said Spain has not decided whether it would send troops to Greenland and is holding technical discussions with Denmark and other partners. He said any decision would involve consultations with opposition leaders and parliament.
In a separate post on social media, Sánchez reinforced his warning, writing: “If Trump occupies Greenland, he will make Putin the happiest man. Europe must advance in its integration process and equip itself with a truly common defense.”
European leaders have increasingly framed the Greenland dispute as a test of sovereignty, alliance unity, and the future of transatlantic relations, with many warning that trade threats and unilateral action risk fracturing NATO at a time of heightened global instability.
