EU leaders support Denmark and Greenland against the statements of the Trump administration

The Conference of Presidents names the remarks of the USA a "flagrant challenge" to international law and calls for concrete support from the EU for Arctic sovereignty. Brussels, January 15, 2026 – The Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament adopted a declaration on Wednesday expressing its unequivocal support for Denmark and Greenland. The measure comes in response to recent statements by the Trump administration regarding the status of the territory, which the Parliament leadership characterized as unacceptable and a violation of international norms.

In brief

Leaders of the groups in the EP condemn the Trump administration's statements regarding Greenland as a challenge to the sovereignty of a NATO ally.

The declaration reminds of the 1916 agreement in which the United States explicitly recognized Danish sovereignty over Greenland.

Parliament calls on the European Commission and the Council to define "concrete and tangible support" for Copenhagen and Nuuk.

The declaration states that any external attempt to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Denmark and Greenland violates international law and the United Nations Charter. The Parliament leadership emphasized that decisions regarding the territory belong exclusively to Denmark and Greenland, in accordance with their constitutional arrangements. The text explicitly refers to the historical precedent, reminding that, in 1916, the United States signed an agreement recognizing that "the entire Greenland constituted by right Danish territory." Consequently, the EP considers current attempts to change the status quo a violation of established diplomatic history.

Security concerns in the Arctic region occupy an important place in the declaration. Parliament reaffirmed that the Kingdom of Denmark is a NATO member, fully covered by the collective security guarantees of the Alliance. The declaration emphasizes that Arctic security is ensured within NATO and through Denmark's existing agreements with key partners, including the United States. However, the EP condemned the specific rhetoric of the current American administration as a "flagrant challenge" to the principles of relations among democratic partners.

Looking to the future, the European Parliament has called for actions from the executive branches of the EU. It has urged the European Commission and the European Council to go beyond verbal solidarity and to define "concrete and tangible support" for Greenland and Denmark. The declaration concludes by reinforcing the EU's commitment to the Arctic not only as a security area but also as a region for sustainable development and cooperation.

https://2eu.brussels/ro/stiri/liderii-pe-sustin-danemarca-si-groenlanda-impotriva-declaratiilor-administratiei-trump