European allies said on Wednesday they were coordinating their response after U.S. President Donald Trump again raised the prospect of taking control of Greenland, warning that any move against the Danish territory would violate international law.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said European countries wanted to act “together” if Washington moved to seize Greenland, adding he had been assured by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that force was not under consideration.
A German government source said Berlin was working closely with allies, while officials in Denmark said they had requested urgent talks with Washington.
Finland’s parliamentary foreign affairs committee chair called for the issue to be raised within NATO, questioning whether the United States could pursue unilateral action that undermined agreed security arrangements.
European Council President Antonio Costa said the European Union would support Denmark and Greenland if needed and would not accept violations of international law.
“Greenland belongs to its people,” Costa said.
Greenland’s government will join talks with Danish and U.S. officials next week, its foreign minister said.
Trump has repeatedly said the Arctic island should fall under U.S. control for security reasons and has not ruled out the use of force. Rubio said on Wednesday the president’s preference was to buy Greenland, while the White House said diplomacy remained the first option.
