Related videos:
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has ignited a diplomatic storm after reaffirming on social media his intention for the United States to acquire Greenland, an autonomous territory under Danish sovereignty.
“I am the one who SAVED NATO,” Trump wrote on his official account, adding that “the United States needs Greenland for national security reasons; it is vital for the Golden Dome we are building. If we don't take it, Russia or China will, and that is not going to happen.”
In a third message, the leader was even more direct: "NATO: Tell Denmark to get them out of there, NOW! Two sleds pulled by dogs won't cut it! Only the U.S. can!" referring to the alleged Sino-Russian presence on the Arctic island.
The statements have provoked a strong reaction in Brussels. The European Commissioner for Defense, Andrius Kubilius, warned this Monday that a forced annexation of Greenland "would be the end of NATO," reminding that, according to Article 42.7 of the Treaty on European Union, member countries are obliged to assist any state that suffers a military aggression.
However, the Secretary General of the Atlantic Alliance, Mark Rutte, avoided criticizing Trump during a conference in Zagreb. The former Dutch Prime Minister stated that “the U.S. president is doing the right thing for NATO by pushing for increased defense spending,” and emphasized that thanks to Washington's pressure, all allies reached 2% of GDP in military spending and are moving towards 3.5%.
Rutte also noted that NATO is discussing how to enhance protection in the Arctic in light of the growing Chinese and Russian interest in the region.
Meanwhile, Copenhagen and Washington are holding a decisive meeting this Wednesday, where Trump will insist on obtaining a "title of ownership" over Greenland, a gesture that, according to several European diplomats, could trigger the largest crisis in the history of the Atlantic Alliance.
Filed under: