EU politicians have threatened to deploy European troops to Greenland and refused to negotiate with Trump over his plans to buy the island.
Denmark has announced a multi-billion dollar boost to its armed forces in the Arctic after Trump doubled-down on his intention to take the landmass.
The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, made it clear that there are currently no ongoing negotiations with the American President regarding Greenland, despite his statements about the need for it in terms of security.
Kallas emphasized the support for Denmark, a member state of the EU, and its autonomous territory, Greenland. She discouraged speculations about hypothetical scenarios, stating that the current situation does not warrant such discussions.
The Estonian diplomat struck back after Trump repeated his vow that Greenland would fall under American control.
The US President said on Saturday: “I think the people [of Greenland] want to be with us.
Regarding Denmark’s claim over Greenland, Kallas expressed uncertainty but highlighted the importance of allowing actions that are deemed necessary for safeguarding the interests of the free world, suggesting that any opposition to such measures would be considered an unfriendly gesture.
“I think Greenland we’ll get because it has to do with freedom of the world.”
In response to Trump’s renewed warnings that the US will acquire Greenland, Denmark announced on Monday it would splurge over $2billion bolstering its military force in the Arctic.
The nation’s Ministry of Defence said the package aims to “improve capabilities for surveillance and maintaining sovereignty in the region”.
The investment will fund three new Arctic naval vessels, two drones with long-range surveillance capabilities and more Arctic basic military training.
Troels Lund Poulsen, Denmark’s minister of defence, said: “We must face the fact that there are serious challenges regarding security and defence in the Arctic and North Atlantic.
“For this reason, we must strengthen our presence in the region.
“That is the objective of this agreement, which paves the way for further initiatives already this year.”
A security expert told The Sun earlier this month that if Trump decided to take Greenland by force, he could do it in 24 hours with the “world’s shortest war”.
As owner of the island, Denmark is responsible for Greenland’s protection and their army would be the army to mobilise against the Americans.
Before the announced cash dump, Denmark’s defence budget was around £6billion – 100 times smaller than the £750billion America splashes on the sector.
Trump’s fresh comments came days after an explosive 45-minute call with the Danish PM, Mette Frederiksen, last week.
Several European officials reveal the hostility in the phone call.
One said: “The intent was very clear. They [the Americans] want it. The Danes are now in crisis mode. The Danes are utterly freaked out by this.”
Another revealed: “He [Trump] was very firm. It was a cold shower. Before, it was hard to take it seriously. But I do think it is serious, and potentially very dangerous.”
Trump’s bullish insistence he will buy Greenland has riled Danish leaders and politicians, who have repeatedly insisted that the island is not for sale.
One Danish MEP, Anders Vistisen, even told Trump to “f**k off” during a parliament session.
The politician raged: “Dear President Trump, listen very carefully. Greenland has been part of the Danish kingdom for 800 years.
“It’s an integrated part of our country. It is not for sale.
“Let me put it in words you might understand. Mr Trump F*** off.”
Greenland’s leader, Múte Egede, has called for his people to determine their own fate.
After a visit from Donald Trump Jr this month he said: “We are Greenlanders. We don’t want to be Americans. We don’t want to be Danish either. Greenland’s future will be decided by Greenland.”
The transatlantic spat has rumbled on since before Trump returned to power.
He spun Denmark and the EU into panic when he refused to rule out taking Greenland by force earlier this month.
Since taking office, Trump has piled pressure on Greenland’s premiere, Mute Egede, to discuss the US buying out the Danish territory.
He has said US ownership of Greenland is an “absolute necessity” to protect global “security and freedom”.
It would be a valuable asset to the States as it is brimming with natural resources and sits bang in the middle of the main Arctic trade routes.
It’s also strategically positioned in the Arctic zone, which has become the epicentre of a struggle between superpowers.
Russia and China have both ramped up efforts to take control of the region, and America feels it needs to play catch-up.
Trump first expressed interest in Greenland, which is self-governing but owned by Denmark, during his first term when he saw it as a “large real estate deal”.
He even appointed a team to prepare options, including a long-term lease deal.
In the years since, Trump he continued looking into the matter and seems to be becoming only more resolved to see it through.
