The European Commission found itself under scrutiny following statements by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump about a possible military takeover of Greenland. During a press conference on Tuesday, Trump suggested that the United States needed control of Greenland and the Panama Canal for “economic security.” These remarks sparked a flurry of questions at the Commission’s briefing in Brussels, but the institution’s representatives chose not to delve into specifics.
“State Sovereignty Must Be Respected”
Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper emphasized that the sovereignty of states remains a priority, stating:
“Brussels looks forward to working with the new U.S. administration to strengthen the transatlantic agenda.”
However, her response failed to satisfy journalists, many of whom drew parallels with Russia’s actions leading up to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Italian journalist David Carretta from Radio Radicale directly asked,
“What President Trump said yesterday was a military threat to a member state, which is real: He is the president-elect of the most powerful country in the world. Are you conscious that there is a risk?”
His pointed question heightened tensions in the room, but the Commission provided no clear answer.
The EU and Greenland: A Complex Relationship
Although Greenland is not part of the European Union, it is classified as an “Overseas Territory associated with the EU.” The island, home to approximately 57,000 people, mostly Danish citizens, maintains strong ties to the bloc. Any military threat to Greenland could invoke Article 42(7) of the EU Treaty on mutual assistance.
Despite this, the Commission declined to assess whether there was a tangible risk of a U.S. invasion, calling the scenario “highly theoretical.” This cautious stance drew criticism, especially in contrast to France’s firm response. French officials had earlier stated that the EU would not allow any country to threaten its sovereign territories.
Double Standards in Brussels?
Journalists continued to press the Commission for a more definitive stance. Nicholas Wallace from Euractiv challenged,
“You say that sovereignty is paramount, but you’re not going to comment on a pretty naked threat from the incoming president of the United States. Are you waiting for American marines to land in Greenland or what?”
The Commission’s evasive responses only fueled criticism of its approach to such geopolitical challenges.
Greenland: Strategic Importance
Greenland’s vast natural resources and strategic Arctic location make it a coveted region for global powers. Analysts note that U.S. control over Greenland could provide significant advantages in resource extraction and geopolitical influence in the Arctic. Trump’s statements have therefore raised not just political concerns but also economic alarm bells.
Trump’s remarks have heightened concerns over sovereignty and security in Europe. The European Commission’s ambiguous responses have left more questions than answers, potentially undermining confidence in the EU’s ability to address complex geopolitical issues. Whether Brussels will adopt a clearer stance in its dealings with the incoming U.S. administration remains to be seen.
