EU issues three-word warning to Donald Trump over Greenland | World | News
The EU is “ready to defend” Greenland from the United States despite Donald Trump’s belief that the US is “going to have it”.
The US president said Denmark standing in the way of Washington’s pursuit of the strategically important territory would be “a very unfriendly act … because it’s for the protection of the free world”.
However, EU commissioner for defence and space Andrius Kubilius vowed: “We are ready to defend our member state, Denmark.”
Meanwhile, France’s foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot said that should Denmark request “solidarity” from EU member states, “France will be there”.
Germany has also spoken out, as well as Denmark itself.
“Borders may not be moved by force: To whom it may concern,” German chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Tuesday following a meeting with Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen.
Without specifically naming Mr Trump, Mr Scholz – who is widely expected to leave office following February’s German elections – added: “The inviolability of borders is a fundamental principle of international law. The principle must apply to all.”
Ms Frederiksen said: “It is up to Europe to define the future of our continent.”
Following a “fiery” call between the 47th president and the Danish leader before his inauguration, Mr Trump has doubled down on his desire to claim Greenland for the US.
“I think we’re going to have it,” Mr Trump said over the last weekend.
“I don’t really know what claim Denmark has to it, but it would be a very unfriendly act if they didn’t allow that to happen because it’s for the protection of the free world.”
He previously did not rule out using military force to secure the area for the US.