EU party leaders urge concrete support for Greenland, Denmark’s sovereignty

Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) January 15, 2026 – Leaders of political groups in the European Parliament issued a joint statement calling on the European Commission and Council to provide concrete and tangible support for Greenland and Denmark. The Conference of Presidents unequivocally condemned statements by the US Trump administration regarding Greenland as violations of international law and NATO ally sovereignty. The declaration reaffirms commitment to Arctic security, multilateralism, and Denmark’s territorial integrity over the autonomous territory.

The statement emerged from a January 14 meeting of the Conference of Presidents, comprising European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and heads of the eight political groups. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas attended the session. Party leaders emphasised that decisions on Greenland rest solely with Denmark and Greenland under their constitutional arrangements.

The European Parliament underscored the Arctic’s strategic priority for the EU, pledging unwavering support for sustainable development and regional cooperation.

Conference of Presidents Statement Details

The adopted text states the European Parliament stands firmly behind multilateralism and the rules-based international order. It declares any attempt to undermine Denmark and Greenland’s sovereignty and territorial integrity violates international law and the UN Charter. Leaders condemned Trump administration remarks as a blatant challenge to these principles and the sovereignty of a NATO ally.

Renew Europe leader Valérie Hayer directly amplified the Parliament’s position through social media.

Valérie Hayer – @ValerieHayer said in X post,

“The European Parliament calls on the Commission and the Council to define concrete and tangible support to Greenland and Denmark. Their state sovereignty is not for sale and is not negotiable.”

The European Parliament calls on the Commission and the Council to define concrete and tangible support to Greenland and Denmark.

Their state sovereignty is not for sale and is not negotiable. pic.twitter.com/IcPMELUS1o

— Valérie Hayer (@ValerieHayer) January 14, 2026

Such statements hold no place in democratic partner relations, the document asserts. The Parliament calls for defined, concrete and tangible support respecting EU principles, law, international law, and the NATO Charter.

Denmark, including Greenland, enjoys full NATO collective security guarantees. The EP commits to bolstering European defence capabilities, ensuring member states meet NATO obligations through defence investments and Arctic presence.

Arctic Security and EU Strategy Emphasis

Party leaders affirm Arctic security falls under NATO guarantees, with Denmark holding agreements including with the US for regional protection. The EU’s Arctic strategy extends beyond security to sustainable development and citizen cooperation.

The Parliament remains firmly committed to Arctic protection as a strategic EU priority.

Historical Sovereignty Recognition

The statement recalls the 1916 US-Denmark treaty confirming full Danish sovereignty over Greenland. The US recognised Greenland as Danish territory through this agreement. External attempts to alter this status quo prove unacceptable.

Greenland operates as an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with self-government since 2009 covering internal affairs. Foreign policy and defence remain Danish responsibilities.

Renewed Calls from Individual Leaders

Following the Conference meeting, Renew Europe MEP Christophe Grudler echoed the collective message on the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Christophe GRUDLER – @GrudlerCh said in X post,

“JUST NOW: Leaders of the European Parliament just sent a clear message: Greenland sovereignty is not for sale and is not negotiable. The Commission and the Council should now define tangible support to Greenland and Denmark.”

🚨 JUST NOW: Leaders of the European Parliament just sent a clear message:

Greenland sovereignty is not for sale and is not negotiable.

Commission and the Council should now define tangible support to Greenland and Denmark. pic.twitter.com/S5KN9UbNi6

— Christophe GRUDLER (@GrudlerCh) January 14, 2026

Valérie Hayer urged unhesitating EU support for Denmark and Greenland against potential US actions, including military aid or economic measures versus the US. She described Greenland as an Arctic security gateway, advocating an EU pact within the Renewed Arctic Strategy involving UK, Canada, and Japan.

Hayer stressed deterrence through visible European response preparation.

Broader European Leadership Support

On January 6, European leaders including Denmark’s Mette Frederiksen, France’s Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Friedrich Merz, Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, Poland’s Donald Tusk, Spain’s Pedro Sánchez, and UK’s Keir Starmer issued a joint declaration. They affirmed only Greenlanders and Danish government determine Greenland’s future per constitutional arrangements.

Netherlands joined this statement.

Danish Government Response and Military Plans

Denmark plans expanded military presence on Greenland and increased NATO visibility in the Arctic. Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced this in a statement to AFP. Danish government delegation visited the White House on January 15 to discuss US interest in Greenland acquisition.

Greenland Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen addressed the European Parliament in October 2025, thanking EU for reliable support and cooperation positively impacting society. Polls show 85% of Greenlanders oppose US affiliation. Parties favouring gradual independence from Denmark won recent elections.

Context of Trump Administration Statements

US President Donald Trump, inaugurated January 20, 2025, reiterated interest in acquiring Greenland, citing strategic importance. Remarks prompted international backlash as sovereignty challenges.

Greenland’s sparse population belies its geopolitical value in the Arctic amid resource and route competitions.

European Parliament’s Defence Commitments

The EP pledges continued strengthening of European defence and NATO honouring, including Arctic investments. This aligns with post-Ukraine invasion security enhancements.

Reactions Across EU Institutions

The statement followed European leaders’ declaration, amplifying parliamentary voice. Renew Europe pushes sanctions preparation against potential US invasion threats.

Strategic Arctic Importance for EU

Arctic holds vast resources, shipping routes, and military significance. EU Arctic Strategy, updated 2021, guides engagement. Greenland features key US bases like Thule Air Base under Danish-US defence pact.

Ongoing Diplomatic Engagements

Denmark consults allies amid US overtures. EU High Representative attendance at Presidents’ meeting signals coordinated response.