HELSINKI, Jan 13 (NNN-XINHUA) – The European Union (EU) could help provide security for Greenland, if Denmark requests it, European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius said yesterday, warning that, any U.S. military takeover of the Arctic territory would cause the end of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).
Speaking to media on the sidelines of a security conference in Sweden’s Salen, Kubilius said, he shared Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen’s view that, a forced takeover would deal a fatal blow to NATO, and severely damage transatlantic ties. He added that, such a move would also trigger a strong negative reaction among Europeans.
Kubilius said, he did not believe a U.S. invasion was imminent, but noted that Article 42.7 of the EU treaty obliges member states to provide mutual assistance, if a member country is subjected to armed aggression. He said, the bloc could step up support for Greenland at Denmark’s request, including by deploying troops and expanding military infrastructure, such as naval presence and counter-drone capabilities.
Denmark and the United States, both NATO members, are scheduled to meet this week to discuss the Greenland issue. Greenland and Denmark have repeatedly said, the territory is not for sale, while U.S. President Donald Trump has insisted Washington must “own” Greenland without ruling out the use of force.
Swedish Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson said, Europeans within NATO were discussing ways to strengthen the alliance, but stressed that, such work should not be based on any presumption that NATO would stop functioning.
Also at the security policy conference in the western resort town of Salen, Kristersson on Sunday, criticised recent U.S. actions in Venezuela and Trump’s “threatening rhetoric” towards Denmark and Greenland, warning that, such moves undermine international law and increase risks for smaller countries.
Kristersson said, Washington should instead show gratitude towards Denmark, as it has been a longstanding ally. He also pledged Swedish support for Denmark.
Since taking office in Jan last year, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring control of Greenland, stating that, he would not rule out the use of “military or economic coercion” to achieve that goal. Last month, Trump appointed Louisiana Governor, Jeff Landry, as U.S. special envoy to Greenland, renewing diplomatic tensions between Washington and the Danish Realm. Trump said in a recent interview that, the United States “absolutely” needs Greenland.
The security conference in Salen began in 1946, and is organised by the Swedish civic defence organisation, Folk och Forsvar. Salen is a mountain town about 400 km north-west of the capital, Stockholm.– NNN-XINHUA