Europe must navigate a new reality as Trump takes power: Danish premier

By Ebad Ahmed

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AA) - Europeans must navigate a new reality, regardless of what US President Donald Trump says in his inaugural speech, Denmark’s prime minister said Monday.

Mette Frederiksen in a post on Facebook highlighted the complexities of the current geopolitical climate, emphasizing that there are numerous considerations that must be carefully balanced.

“Therefore, you will probably also find that the government can neither say everything nor announce (things) as quickly as others,” she wrote.

“When we do not make a statement, there is a reason for it – and I hope you will understand that. And of course, we will make a statement when the situation allows,” she added.

Frederiksen acknowledged that Denmark is facing significant challenges, describing the current situation as having “unfortunately become more unpredictable.”

However, she reassured the public that her government’s seriousness and dedication to addressing these challenges remain unchanged.

- Greenland and the Arctic

Frederiksen also addressed the increasing importance of Greenland and the Arctic in Denmark’s foreign policy, saying her government is carefully balancing its diplomatic efforts. She noted that maintaining Denmark’s longstanding alliance with the United States, which has been its most crucial partner since World War II, is vital.

She emphasized that the growing tensions in the Arctic are a key factor in Denmark’s strategic considerations.

“We must show – also in action – that we will, of course, give higher priority to efforts in the region, even if it will cost a significant amount of billions,” she said.

Frederiksen elaborated on the shifting dynamics in the Arctic, an area that was previously seen as a “low-tension area” where no country sought to increase militarization.

“That has changed,” she said, pointing to increasing Russian aggression and heightened Chinese interest in the region.

In light of these developments, Frederiksen stressed that Denmark must enhance its military capabilities in the Arctic and Greenland to ensure that it can respond effectively to these emerging challenges.