EU Faces Diplomatic Strain After Trump Revives greenland Pursuit
European Union officials entered crisis talks on January 18, 2026, following renewed expressions of interest from former U.S. President Donald Trump in acquiring Greenland. Trump publicly reiterated his desire to purchase the autonomous Danish territory during a rally in Florida on January 17,2026,according to reports from The Standard.
In 2019,Trump reportedly explored the possibility of a purchase,offering Denmark approximately $300 million,a proposal that Danish Prime Minister mette Frederiksen dismissed as “absurd.” The current value of GreenlandS economy is estimated at $13 billion (USD) as of December 2025, according to data from Statista.
The EU’s concern stems from the strategic importance of greenland, which hosts a U.S. airbase at Thule, vital for missile warning systems. Any change in Greenland’s status could impact European security interests.
“We are monitoring the situation closely,” stated peter Stano, EU Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, in a press briefing on January 18, 2026. “The EU is committed to maintaining stability in the Arctic region and will work with Denmark and other relevant partners to ensure that any discussions regarding greenland’s future are conducted in a obvious and mutually respectful manner.”
Denmark’s Foreign Ministry has not yet issued a formal response to Trump’s latest comments, but sources within the ministry indicate that Copenhagen remains firmly opposed to any sale. Greenland’s government,which has autonomy over moast internal affairs,has also expressed its opposition to being sold.
The EU is reportedly considering a diplomatic initiative to reaffirm its support for Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland and to underscore the importance of maintaining the existing security arrangements in the Arctic.
