Germany urges the United States to respect Greenland's sovereignty amid tensions
Germany has urged the United States to respect the territorial sovereignty of Greenland, amid repeated American threats to seize the island by force. Deputy Chancellor Lars Klingbeil confirmed that the future of Greenland is exclusively a decision for Denmark and Greenland, which enjoys a quasi-independent status within the Danish Kingdom.
Before his visit to Washington, Klingbeil emphasized that the principles of international law, including respect for territorial integrity, apply to all countries, including the United States. He highlighted that NATO allies are working together to enhance security in the Arctic, not against each other.
The United States invited finance ministers from several countries to Washington to discuss access to vital raw materials. Klingbeil confirmed that Greenland's strategic role would also be discussed during these meetings.
Since his first term (2017–2021), former US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to seize Greenland by any means, including military options, citing the island's strategic importance and the increasing presence of Russian and Chinese ships in the Arctic region.
European allies remain concerned, as Trump's refusal to rule out the use of military force or economic pressure to control Greenland raises fears of potential destabilization of NATO unity. Germany continues to urge Washington to respect international standards and Greenland's sovereignty.