EU Defence Chief: USTakeover Of Greenland Could End NATO
Synopsis
Andrius Kubilius warned that any US use of force to take control of Greenland would effectively end NATO and activate EU mutual defence obligations to support Denmark. As Donald Trump renews his push for greater US involvement in the Arctic, citing strategic resources and security concerns, European leaders have said they are prepared to contribute troops and defensive capabilities. These statements align with warnings from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who has cautioned that such a move could unravel the alliance. The issue now places significant strain on transatlantic relations as Russia and China increase their focus on the Arctic.
At a security conference in Sweden on January 12, 2026, European Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius warned that any U.S. attempt to use force to take Greenland could effectively end NATO and rupture transatlantic relations. Aligning with remarks from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, he said EU member states are bound by existing defence agreements to support Denmark if it were attacked. His comments come amid renewed statements by Donald Trump advocating US control of Greenland, arguing it is necessary to counter growing influence from Russia and China in the Arctic.
Trump's Persistent Greenland Ambitions
For years, Donald Trump has spoken openly about his interest in Greenland. Since 2019, he has framed the vast Arctic territory as a prize rich in rare earth minerals and critical to US missile defences and influence in the far north. More recently, his rhetoric has sharpened, with talk of using military pressure to secure American interests.
Inside the White House, advisers such as Stephen Miller have argued that Denmark lacks the ability to defend Greenland on its own, urging Washington to press its advantage at a time when NATO allies are spending more on defence. Across Europe, however, the message has been firm. Leaders, including Germany’s Friedrich Merz, say Arctic security must be handled cooperatively, and that Greenland’s future is for its people to decide, not for any country to take by force.
EU and NATO's Defensive Posture
Europe’s defence chief, Andrius Kubilius, says the EU is ready to act if Denmark asks for help in Greenland. That support, he said, could include troops, naval forces, counter-drone systems, and infrastructure investment, but only as part of a wider discussion inside NATO.
Across Europe, the message has been consistent. Countries from the United Kingdom to Germany warn that any attempt to seize territory by force would destroy the alliance at a moment when tensions with Russia are already high. Analysts caution that such a rupture would not only shake NATO but could also push Europe to rely less on US military power, and more on its own.
Geopolitical and Economic Stakes
What happens in Greenland matters far beyond the Arctic. Its vast resources and strategic location have turned it into a pressure point for NATO, which is trying to keep the focus on security rather than political sparring. If that effort fails, trust between allies could weaken, creating openings for rival powers.
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