European leaders have reiterated the autonomy of Greenland and Denmark following the United States’ latest comments about its desire to take over the vast Arctic island.
In a joint statement yesterday, the foreign ministers of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden said that, as Nordic countries, they are “collectively committed to preserving security, stability and co-operation in the Arctic.”
“Security in the Arctic rests on respect for the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and international law, including the inviolability of borders,” the statement said. “We collectively reiterate that matters concerning Denmark and Greenland are for Denmark and Greenland to decide alone.”
Separately, the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom and Denmark also said that Arctic security “remains a key priority for Europe and it is critical for international and transatlantic security.”
Security in the Arctic “must therefore be achieved collectively,” it said, alongside NATO allies including the US, “by upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders.”
“Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland,” that statement said.
Also yesterday, Belgium’s foreign minister said that he shared his concerns with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the Trump administration’s remarks on Greenland.
Prévot said it was a “great” meeting, describing it as “very interesting.” He did not say if he had received any assurances about the US policy toward the Danish territory.
CNN’s Jennifer Hansler contributed to this reporting.