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Spain Leads NATO Allies in Support for Denmark Amid US Greenland Interest

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has reiterated firm support for Denmark and Greenland's sovereignty, joined by several NATO allies in a joint statement. The move comes as the White House stated it is considering "a range of options," including potential military force, to acquire Greenland, viewing it as a national security priority. The allied statement emphasized that the Arctic is a priority region for NATO and that security must be ensured collectively while upholding sovereignty and territorial integrity. It concluded that decisions concerning Greenland can only be taken by Denmark and Greenland itself.

Key Points: Spain, NATO Allies Support Denmark as US Eyes Greenland

  • Spain leads joint NATO statement
  • US considers options including military force
  • Arctic security declared a key priority
  • Sovereignty of Greenland rests with its people
  • Cooperation must respect international law
3 min read

Spain reiterates support for Denmark, Greenland as US weighs options to acquire territory

Spain and key NATO allies reaffirm support for Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland after US remarks on potential acquisition, citing Arctic security.

"Respect for the sovereignty of countries is essential for peace. That was the greatest lesson the 20th century left us. - Pedro Sanchez"

Madrid, January 7

Spain on Tuesday reiterated its firm support for Denmark and the people of Greenland, stressing that respect for national sovereignty is essential for global peace, amid remarks from the United States about acquiring the Arctic territory.

The NATO allies also issued a joint statement on Greenland.

"Spain reiterates, together with Germany, France, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom, its firm support for Denmark and the people of Greenland. Respect for the sovereignty of countries is essential for peace. That was the greatest lesson the 20th century left us. Let us not forget it," the Prime Minister of Spain,Pedro Sanchez, wrote in a post on X.

The statement comes as the White House said it is considering "a range of options" to acquire Greenland, including the possible use of military force. According to CNN, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Tuesday (local time) that acquiring Greenland is viewed as a national security priority by President Donald Trump.

"President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and it's vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region. The President and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. Military is always an option at the Commander in Chief's disposal," Leavitt said addressing weekly media briefing.

Amid growing concern in Europe, several NATO allies issued a joint statement reaffirming support for Denmark and Greenland and underlining the importance of collective security in the Arctic.

In the joint statement, leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom and Denmark said that Arctic security remains a key priority for Europe and is critical for international and transatlantic security. They noted that NATO has clearly identified the Arctic as a priority region and that European allies have increased their presence, activities and investments to deter adversaries.

The leaders stressed that security in the Arctic must be ensured collectively, in coordination with NATO allies, including the United States, while upholding the principles of the UN Charter such as sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders.

"The Kingdom of Denmark - including Greenland - is part of NATO," the statement said, adding that Greenland belongs to its people and that decisions concerning Greenland can only be taken by Denmark and Greenland.

The statement also underlined that while the United States is an essential NATO partner, cooperation must be based on mutual respect for international law and established agreements.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
From an Indian perspective, this is concerning. We understand the importance of territorial integrity better than most. If powerful nations can casually discuss annexing territories of allies, what message does it send globally? The joint NATO statement was necessary and timely.
A
Aditya G
The Arctic is becoming the new geopolitical hotspot. While the US may have strategic interests, the method matters. "Utilizing the U.S. Military" against a NATO ally? Unthinkable. This kind of talk undermines the very alliance meant to provide collective security. Good on the European allies for standing together.
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Priyanka N
It's ironic to see the West lecture others on rules-based order and then have one of its own leaders openly consider land grabs. The people of Greenland must have the final say, not Washington. The principle is simple: respect borders. End of story.
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Michael C
While I understand the strategic importance of the Arctic for deterring Russia and China, the approach is all wrong. You don't strengthen an alliance by threatening to take territory from a member. This will only create fractures within NATO. Diplomacy and mutual respect are key, as the joint statement correctly points out.
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Kavya N
As an Indian, reading "military force" in this context is shocking. We live in a world where might should not make right. The UN Charter principles mentioned are not just words. Glad to see European powers reminding everyone of that lesson from history. Hope it's heard.

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