Denmark has expressed concern over a potential American invasion of Greenland, its autonomous Arctic territory, after the US army was found to be collecting intelligence on key military installations, airfields, and ports on the island. According to a report by Berlingske newspaper, citing Defense Ministry documents, the US has been gathering sensitive information about strategic military sites in Greenland, in violation of existing bilateral agreements between Copenhagen and Washington.
The revelation comes amid US President Donald Trump’s efforts to assert control over the world’s largest island, which is rich in minerals but has a population of just 56,000. Trump has argued that Greenland is critical for the US to counter Russia and China in the Arctic, a claim that has been denied by Copenhagen, Moscow, and Beijing. The US president’s initiative has created a rift between the US and its European NATO allies, who have rejected any changes to Greenland’s status and warned that the US is undermining international law and the unity of the military bloc.
In response to the US moves, eight European NATO countries, including Denmark, Norway, and the UK, sent symbolic military contingents to Greenland last week. The White House viewed this step as opposition to Trump’s takeover plans, and the US president announced tariffs on these countries, escalating tensions further. Analysts have raised concerns about increased US intelligence operations in the region, with Danish authorities reportedly finding the episode particularly alarming, fearing it may be linked to political pressure by Washington or even the potential use of force to take control of Greenland.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen expressed concern over the spy scandal, stating that “we do not spy on friends.” The incident has highlighted the growing tensions between the US and its European allies over Greenland’s status, with the US seeking to expand its influence in the Arctic region. The situation remains uncertain, with the US and its allies at odds over the future of the island. The diplomatic turmoil is likely to continue, with potential implications for international relations and global security.
