Why does Trump want control of Greenland? - The strategic importance of the island and US-EU tensions
United States President-elect Donald Trump continues to seek control of Greenland, not ruling out the possibility of military intervention. This situation has caused tensions with European allies, while the position of the largest island in the world remains delicate.
US President-elect Donald Trump has repeated his threat to take control of Greenland, without denying the use of military force. The island is a self-governing territory belonging to the Kingdom of Denmark, and the declarations have fueled tensions with European allies.
Denmark should cede the autonomous territory to the US to "protect the free world", Trump argued a few days ago, threatening to impose economic sanctions on the EU member state if it does not. His comments came as son Donald Trump Jr. visited the country, accompanied by his father's top advisers.
Trump's interest in Greenland, the world's largest island and home to about 57,000 people, has been known since his first presidency, when he reportedly briefed aides on plans to buy the territory.
Greenland's status within the European Union and NATO
Having been a crown region of Norway and Denmark for centuries, Greenland officially became part of Denmark in 1953 and a self-governing, autonomous Danish territory in 1979. Its government has autonomous legislative powers over a range of matters, including taxation, trade and justice, but Denmark continues to have a strong grip on foreign policy and defense of the territory.
Although Greenland is not a member country of the European Union, its status as an external territory of the EU gives it access to the bloc's funds and freedom of movement for Greenlanders, who are considered EU citizens. The territory is also covered by the North Atlantic Treaty, meaning an attack on the island would force other NATO allies, including the US, to come to its defense.
Trump's goals
The president-elect of the United States has cited national security motives for his interest in the island, but the country is also seen as a strategic hub of critical materials in the geopolitical race for economic dominance.
Melting Arctic ice means potentially shorter and faster trade routes, as well as more opportunities to extract oil and minerals. Greenland's strategic importance increases in times of geopolitical instability, experts explain. "As the US prepares for more confrontation with Russia and China, the island becomes more valuable," they add.
The shortest route from North America to Europe passes through the Arctic and Greenland, making it critical to the US ballistic missile early warning system. Pituffik Space Base on the island is the northernmost military base of US forces.
The push for independence
An independence movement has recently gained popularity in Greenland, fueled by revelations of misconduct by Danish authorities over the past century, including a contraceptive campaign imposed on local women in the 1960s and 70s. Under a 2009 agreement with Denmark, the country can hold an independence referendum, but the territory remains heavily dependent on Danish government funding, which amounts to around 600 million euros a year.
EU and NATO reaction
Trump's rhetoric is particularly troubling since he does not rule out using military force against another NATO member state, Denmark, which the US is technically obligated to defend under the North Atlantic Treaty.
While tensions between NATO member states are not unprecedented, Trump's threats come amid growing concerns that his incoming administration will weaken the military alliance. EU states such as Denmark can also use Article 42.7 of the EU Treaty, known as the 'mutual assistance clause', which obliges other member states to come to their aid in the event of an attack. A spokesperson for the European Commission has confirmed that the island would also benefit from this clause.
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