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Denmark has proposed a joint EU and NATO strategy to address Donald Trump’s statements about acquiring Greenland, which involves refraining from reacting to the U.S. president’s remarks, Financial Times reports.
According to the publication, the EU and NATO have taken a “vow of silence” regarding Trump’s comments, a stance coordinated with Copenhagen.
Four officials indicated that this strategy reflects an effort by U.S. allies to navigate Trump’s aggressive diplomacy. Initially, Danish and European officials believed Trump’s statements were a tactic to gain more influence over Greenland. However, one source noted that the situation is now being taken “much more seriously” due to its global implications and concerns about NATO and the EU failing to condemn a breach of national sovereignty by an ally.
For now, Denmark, the EU, and NATO have chosen to minimize public discussions, with Copenhagen cautioning that an open confrontation with Trump could escalate the crisis.
“It seems the safest option with Trump is to avoid drawing attention. Hopefully, he’ll get distracted by something else,” said a European official.
Another source acknowledged that while a “tit-for-tat” approach is unhelpful, Europe remains committed to core principles such as national sovereignty and territorial integrity. “We are ready, and the Danes know this, to reaffirm these principles when needed,” they stated.
Discussions are also underway among officials in Brussels, Copenhagen, and Nuuk (Greenland’s capital) about strengthening partnerships in critical raw materials and energy sectors. However, one source emphasized the EU does not want it to appear as if it’s responding solely because Trump raised the issue.
Some officials have expressed concerns about Europe’s ability to provide a compelling response to Trump’s threats regarding Greenland. “I’m not saying we don’t have a plan, but we don’t have an alternative approach,” one official admitted.
On January 27, EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas ruled out any negotiations on Greenland’s status. Sources also revealed that after Trump’s “aggressive” conversation with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Copenhagen shifted to “crisis mode.” Trump previously threatened tariffs against Denmark and reiterated his intent to “get” Greenland over the weekend.
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