The European Parliament has formally declared its “unequivocal support to Greenland and Denmark” in response to renewed threats by former U.S. President Donald Trump to acquire Greenland “one way or another.” In a statement adopted by the Conference of Presidents, the Parliament condemned the Trump administration’s remarks as a “blatant challenge to international law,” the UN Charter, and the sovereignty of a NATO ally. It firmly rejected any external attempt to alter Greenland’s status quo and urged the European Commission and EU member states to provide concrete political and practical support to both Greenland and Denmark.

Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland should fall under U.S. control, claiming on Truth Social that NATO should help the U.S. acquire the island or risk Russia or China stepping in. His remarks came ahead of a scheduled White House meeting between Danish and Greenlandic officials and U.S. leaders. Both Copenhagen and Nuuk have consistently stated that Greenland is “not for sale,” with Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stressing that Greenland would choose Europe over becoming a U.S. possession. Trump dismissed this position, warning it would be “a big problem.”

The European Union, including Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, has reinforced that Greenland “belongs to its people” and that their wishes must be respected. NATO sources have privately expressed concern that such rhetoric could seriously undermine alliance unity, with some warning it risks damaging both NATO and the broader transatlantic relationship at a time of global instability.

While the U.S. argues Greenland is strategically vital, its military presence there has significantly declined since the Cold War, now limited to the Pituffik Space Base. NATO allies acknowledge growing Arctic security challenges, particularly as climate change opens new shipping routes and increases Russian and Chinese activity. In response, Denmark is expanding its permanent military presence in Greenland in cooperation with NATO, while countries such as Germany, the UK, and France have signaled readiness to assist with surveillance and security operations.

Trump’s former national security adviser John Bolton sharply criticized the threats, warning that even discussing military force is eroding U.S. credibility and trust among allies. He described the rhetoric as “a disaster for the United States,” noting polling data showing only 8% of Americans support using force to take Greenland, while more than 80% of Greenlanders oppose joining the U.S.