Von der Leyen states that Greenland's future rests solely with Denmark and Greenlanders
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that only the people of Denmark and Greenland have the right to decide on the island's future, in response to growing pressure from US President Donald Trump for the annexation of the territory. The statement comes on the same day as a meeting between Danish and American officials in Washington.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, stated on Tuesday that only the people of Denmark and Greenland can decide on the island's future, rejecting any external attempt to interfere in the strategic Arctic territory.
The statement was made amidst intensifying pressure from US President Donald Trump, who again publicly defended the annexation of Greenland by the US. Trump even stated that Washington "will have the island, one way or the other," a statement that generated strong international repercussions.
“The future of Greenland must be determined exclusively by its inhabitants and the Kingdom of Denmark, in full respect for international law and sovereignty,” said von der Leyen, signaling institutional support from the European Union for Copenhagen.
Meeting in Washington
The statements come on the same day that representatives of the Danish government meet with US government officials in Washington, in a meeting considered sensitive given the tone adopted by Trump in recent weeks.
Although the official agenda of the meeting includes cooperation on defense, climate and security in the Arctic, analysts say that the Greenland issue is likely to dominate the discussions, especially after the recent statements by the US president.
Strategic Importance
Greenland, an autonomous territory under Danish sovereignty, has growing geopolitical importance, both for its strategic position in the Arctic and for its natural resources and the impact of climate change in the region.
European authorities warn that any attempt at forced annexation would represent a serious violation of international order, as well as raising tensions between the United States, Europe and NATO allies.
To date, the American government has not officially backed down from Trump's statements, while Denmark has reiterated that the island is not for sale and that its political status is a decision exclusively for its people.
Ursula von der Leyen, chefe da Comissão Europeia, disse hoje que apenas o povo da Dinamarca e da Groenlândia podem decidir sobre o seu futuro, em referência à cada vez maior pressão do presidente Trump para a anexação americana da ilha. Hoje haverá um encontro entre o governo… pic.twitter.com/4FDhPJSCI8 — Hoje no Mundo Militar (@hoje_no) January 14, 2026
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