Danish PM Affirms Greenland's Right to Self-Determine Amid US Interest in Acquisition

Frederiksen's statement follows Trump's controversial interest in acquiring Greenland, as she asserts the territory's right to self-determination while addressing possible trade implications for Denmark.

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has firmly asserted that the future of Greenland lies solely in the hands of its people during a crucial 45-minute phone call with President-elect Donald Trump. This dialogue comes in light of Trump's renewed interest in acquiring the Arctic island, which remains an autonomous territory of Denmark.

Amidst the rising tension caused by Trump's acquisition proposal, Frederiksen reiterated recent comments made by Greenland's Premier, Mute Egede, who stressed that "Greenland is not for sale." During the conversation, she also conveyed Denmark's commitment to taking a more significant role in Arctic security.

While no public reaction has come from Trump following the call, he took to his TruthSocial account to share a 2019 poll suggesting that 68% of Greenlanders support independence from Denmark. In response to growing speculation, a referendum on independence could be on the horizon, a notion that Denmark has pledged to respect. Frederiksen's approach seeks to navigate a delicate balance: ensuring Greenland's autonomy while acknowledging the strategic interests of the US.

During Trump's previous presidency, the idea of purchasing Greenland was met with outrage by Frederiksen, leading to the cancellation of a planned visit to Denmark after she labelled the proposal as "absurd." Furthermore, concerns over potential high tariffs floated by Trump aimed at Denmark in connection with Greenland have alarmed business leaders within the country. As Denmark’s second-largest export market, such tariffs could be detrimental to the Danish economy.

To address these challenges, Frederiksen will convene a "crisis meeting" with leading business figures, including executives from Carlsberg and Novo Nordisk. She is also set to host a Foreign Policy Council meeting involving parliament members to further discuss diplomatic strategies.

The Greenlandic parliament’s Aaja Chemnitz welcomed Frederiksen's stance on self-determination, expressing confidence in both the Prime Minister and Egede. However, opposition figures like MP Rasmus Jarlov criticized Frederiksen’s approach, arguing that it undermines Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland.

Amid growing interest from Trump and heightened international scrutiny, Frederiksen is treading carefully, emphasizing Greenland’s right to determine its future while managing the implications of the US's potential ambitions. Commentators note that Trump's dedicated time for the call signals the gravity he places on the situation, suggesting it is far from a fleeting concern.