European leaders have reasserted the autonomy of Greenland and Denmark following recent statements by the United States that it wants to occupy the vast Arctic island.
In a joint statement yesterday, the foreign ministers of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden said the Nordic countries “work together to maintain security, stability and cooperation in the Arctic.”
“Security in the Arctic is based on respect for the United Nations Charter and the fundamental principles of international law, including the inviolability of national borders,” the statement said. “We jointly reiterate that matters concerning Denmark and Greenland are for Denmark and Greenland to decide solely.”
Separately, the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom and Denmark also said that Arctic security “remains a key priority for Europe and is crucial for international and transatlantic security.”
Arctic security must therefore be achieved jointly with NATO allies, including the United States, by upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders.
“Greenland belongs to its people. Matters concerning Denmark and Greenland are decided by Denmark and Greenland, and by them alone,” the statement said.
Also yesterday, Belgium’s foreign minister said he shared concerns with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the Trump administration’s comments on Greenland.
Prévost described the meeting as “excellent” and described it as “very interesting”. He did not say whether he had received any assurances about U.S. policy toward Danish territory.
CNN’s Jennifer Hansler contributed to this report.
