Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen acquired assist from German and French leaders on Tuesday as she sought European backing to counter U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to take over its Arcitc territory, Greenland.
Trump has repeatedly expressed his need for U.S. management over the large island on the grounds of nationwide safety and has not dominated out utilizing financial or navy means.
His statements have induced nice concern in Copenhagen, prompting Frederiksen to take a one-day tour to Berlin, Paris and NATO headquarters in Brussels looking for “European cohesion” on the difficulty, having additionally met her Nordic counterparts two days in the past.
Frederiksen and Scholz didn’t refer on to Trump, however their feedback have been a transparent reference to the U.S. president’s calls for, which additionally embody ambitions to retake management of the Panama Canal. Russia was additionally a goal amid its close to three-year lengthy battle in Ukraine.
“Europe, our continent, is based on the idea that cooperation, not confrontation, leads to peace, to progress, to prosperity. Let us honor this idea,” she informed reporters alongside Scholz.
Ahead of her whistle cease tour, Frederiksen had mentioned in an announcement: “We need a stronger and a more resolute Europe, standing increasingly in its own right, capable of defending and promoting Europe and the European interests.”
“It is up to Europe to define the future of our continent, and I think we have to take more responsibility for our own security.”
Trump has talked for years a couple of potential deal to take management of the Danish autonomous territory.
Frederiksen verbally sparred with Trump over Greenland throughout his first time period and is taking a extra thought of strategy for his second stint within the White House.
She doesn’t wish to offend Greenland and increase already rising independence or pro-U.S. sentiment, whereas additionally not desirous to overly annoy the U.S. – Denmark’s most essential export nation.
Scholz was barely extra forthright, stating: “Borders must not be moved by force,” instantly including the English phrase “to whom it may concern.”
“The inviolability of borders is a fundamental principle of international law. The principle must apply to all,” Scholz mentioned.
After later assembly French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, Frederiksen’s workplace posted on X: “They discussed strengthened European co-operation on the challenges facing Europe. France is an important ally for Denmark, and we share the need for a strong Europe.”
She was then on account of go to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Despite Trump’s fiery rhetoric over the potential use of power or tariffs to annex the Danish autonomous territory, “I have no reason to believe that there is a military threat to Greenland or Denmark,” Frederiksen informed Danish media earlier than a gathering with Rutte.
Frederiksen had already invited her Nordic companions to Copenhagen two days in the past. Sitting all the way down to dinner at her dwelling with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store and Finnish President Alexander Stubb was meant to convey the identical picture of European unity as her day journey.
Trump needs a call on their future to be made by individuals of Greenland, the world’s largest island, which is believed to carry intensive pure sources and is strategically essential for management of the Arctic.
‘Worrying time’
Greenland’s commerce and justice minister Naaja Nathanielsen on Monday informed Agence France-Presse (AFP) that the Greenlandic individuals have been dwelling via a “worrying time” and have been “concerned” about Trump’s statements.
Nathanielsen mentioned that the United States had had a navy presence on the island for 80 years and that Greenland was “not opposed to that.”
But, if Trump’s intentions have been for “expansionism, we are a democracy, we are allies and we ask our allies to respect our institutions.”
“I don’t really know what claim Denmark has to it, but it would be a very unfriendly act if they didn’t allow that to happen because it’s for the protection of the free world,” Trump mentioned on the weekend, including, “I think we’re going to have it.”
Against this backdrop, the Danish authorities introduced on Monday that it will be strengthening its navy presence within the Arctic and North Atlantic with three new ships for the waters round Greenland, further long-range drones and satellites – at a value of just about 2 billion euros ($2.1 billion).
Frederiksen didn’t elaborate on Danish protection plans within the news convention with Scholz.
Source: www.dailysabah.com