NATO sidelines spotlight: US‑Denmark talks amid Greenland tension
The foreign ministers of Denmark and the United States are planning their first meeting since Donald Trump's victory and his announcement regarding Greenland. The meeting is scheduled to take place in Brussels, on the sidelines of the NATO foreign ministers' meeting.
What do you need to know?
- Meeting on the sidelines of the NATO summit: Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio are due to meet in Brussels during the NATO foreign ministers' meeting.
- Greenland in the spotlight: Donald Trump has once again expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, which has strained relations with Denmark.
- Limited diplomatic contacts: Currently, contact between Denmark and the United States is minimal, highlighting the significance of the upcoming meeting.
The first meeting of the USA and Denmark foreign ministers
As reported by the "Financial Times," Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Mark Rubio plan to meet in Brussels during the NATO summit. This will mark the first high-level meeting between Denmark and the United States since Donald Trump's victory.
Officials involved in preparing for this meeting, who spoke with the "FT," warned that the meeting could be called off due to tensions in bilateral relations. Greenland, an autonomous territory dependent on Denmark, is currently being visited by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. A few days ago, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance visited the island.
Why is Greenland crucial?
Donald Trump reiterated his desire to acquire Greenland on Friday, claiming it is necessary for global security. He alleges that Denmark cannot defend itself against the increasing activities of Russia and China in the region. During his visit to Greenland, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance accused Denmark of failing to fulfil defence obligations, prompting criticism from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
What are Denmark's reactions?
Denmark, which initially tried to dismiss Trump's claims to Greenland, asked allies not to respond to the U.S. president's statements on the matter. However, Denmark has recently shifted tactics to counter Washington's rhetoric.
Frederiksen announced on Friday that Vance, in accusing the government in Copenhagen of failing to meet defence obligations in Greenland, acted unfairly. "Denmark is a good and strong ally to all NATO members. We face a threat from Russia and have significantly increased defense spending. For many years, we have stood side by side with the Americans in very difficult situations. Therefore, the Vice President’s description of Denmark is not accurate," she wrote in a statement.
Rasmussen remarked that Denmark is open to criticism, but they "do not appreciate the tone in which it’s being delivered."
"This is not how you speak to your close allies, and I still consider Denmark and the United States to be close allies."
