Denmark urges permanent NATO presence in Arctic, including Greenland

​​​​​​​By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen urged a permanent NATO presence in the Arctic region on Thursday, including around Greenland, during an informal meeting of EU leaders on transatlantic relations.

EU leaders met in Brussels to address developments with Washington, following tensions from US President Donald Trump's interest in Greenland due to its strategic Arctic position, abundant mineral resources and growing concerns about Russian and Chinese influence in the region.

Denmark and Greenland have rejected any proposals to sell the territory, reaffirming Danish sovereignty over the island.

Frederiksen expressed gratitude for European support amid a "very difficult situation" for Denmark and Greenland.

"When Europe is not divided, when we stand together, and when we are clear and strong. Also, in our willingness to stand up for ourselves, then the results will show," she said.

Highlighting security concerns in the Arctic, Frederiksen said Denmark requested NATO's increased presence in the region.

"I think everybody in NATO agrees about -- the Arctic states, but also other member states -- that we need a permanent presence from NATO in the Arctic region, including around Greenland," she said.

Trump stated on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday that a framework for a potential deal involving Greenland and the broader Arctic region had been established.

Frederiksen emphasized Denmark's commitment to discussing relations with the US in a respectful and democratic framework.

"I think it's clear for everybody that we are sovereign state, and we cannot negotiate about that because it's a part of very basic democratic values," she said.

"We have been working very closely with the US for many years, but we have to work together respectfully, without threatening each other, and therefore, I, of course, hope to find a political solution within the framework of democracy," she added.