Denmark and the United States have made it clear that alignment on Arctic security does not mean agreement on Greenland’s political future. During recent high-level meetings in Washington, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, alongside Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt. While Rasmussen described the discussions as open and constructive, he confirmed that fundamental differences remain—particularly over how Greenland’s role should be framed.
From Denmark’s perspective, the starting point is non-negotiable: Greenland’s sovereignty and political status are not up for debate. U.S. officials, however, continue to emphasize Greenland’s strategic importance due to its Arctic location and increasing global attention in the region. Donald Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland is critical to U.S. national security and has called for expanded defense planning in the Arctic, underscoring why the issue remains sensitive on both sides.
Denmark’s response has focused on process and principle. Rasmussen stressed that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and that any decisions affecting its future must involve Greenland’s elected government and people. To keep communication moving forward, both countries agreed to establish a working group aimed at continued dialogue—one that acknowledges shared security interests while respecting Danish sovereignty and territorial integrity. At the same time, Denmark announced it will strengthen its own defense posture in Greenland and surrounding Arctic areas.
That effort is already taking shape through closer coordination with European partners. Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen confirmed increased presence, training, and joint exercises with NATO allies. Sweden has acknowledged officer participation in Arctic drills, and Norway has reported limited cooperation tied to planning and training. Elsewhere in Europe, leaders such as German Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil have reinforced the message that Greenland’s future must be decided internally, in line with international law. For Denmark, the path forward is clear: continue security cooperation with Washington, but without compromising sovereignty or Greenland’s right to self-determination.