The European Union (EU) could help provide security for Greenland if Denmark requests it, European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius said on Monday, warning that any US military takeover of the Arctic territory would cause the end of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Speaking to media on the sidelines of a security conference in Sweden’s Salen, Kubilius said he shared Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s view that a forced takeover would deal a fatal blow to NATO and severely damage transatlantic ties. He added that such a move would also trigger a strong negative reaction among Europeans.
Kubilius said he did not believe a US invasion was imminent, but noted that Article 42.7 of the EU treaty obliges member states to provide mutual assistance if a member country is subjected to armed aggression. He said the bloc could step up support for Greenland at Denmark’s request, including by deploying troops and expanding military infrastructure such as naval presence and counter-drone capabilities.
Denmark and the United States, both NATO members, are scheduled to meet this week to discuss the Greenland issue. Greenland and Denmark have repeatedly said the territory is not for sale, while US President Donald Trump has insisted Washington must “own” Greenland without ruling out the use of force.
Xinhua
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