Denmark says it will not negotiate the sovereignty of Greenland

Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen (Photo credit: Thomas Traasdahl via AP)

Denmark has firmly said it will not negotiate over the sovereignty of Greenland, despite recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting a “framework of a future deal” on the Arctic territory. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated that Greenland’s territorial integrity is non‑negotiable, while expressing openness to constructive dialogue with allies on broader Arctic security issues.

Reuters reports that Trump’s remarks emerged during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he said he and NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte had agreed on a framework that could involve Greenland in collective security efforts. However, Danish officials clarified that discussions focused on cooperation on Arctic defence and security, not sovereignty or ownership of the island itself.

Support for Denmark’s position also came from Greenlandic lawmakers. MP Kuno Fencker welcomed the idea of constructive engagement with international partners but said any framework must respect Greenland’s autonomy and include its people directly in talks.

Fencker added that Trump’s shifting positions have confused over U.S. intentions, particularly given past comments about the island’s status.

Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has long been at the centre of geopolitical interest due to its strategic location and natural resources. Danish and Greenlandic leaders have consistently maintained that the island is not for sale or up for negotiation with foreign powers, underscoring that any decisions about its future must involve Greenlanders themselves.