Widespread protests are taking place across Denmark and Greenland today, forming a unified front against former US President Donald Trump's renewed calls to acquire the vast Arctic island.
Protests Coincide with High-Stakes US Delegation Visit
The demonstrations, scheduled for Saturday, are strategically timed to coincide with a visit to Copenhagen by a bipartisan delegation of US lawmakers. The group is meeting with both Danish and Greenlandic officials. The protest organisers, Uagut, an organisation representing Greenlanders living in Denmark, stated the aim is to send a "clear and unified message of respect for Greenland’s democracy and fundamental human rights."
Adding fuel to the fire, Trump's special envoy to Greenland, Jeff Landry, declared on Friday that a deal for Washington to take over the island "should and will be made" during this visit. He insisted the former president "is serious" about acquiring the largely autonomous territory, which remains part of the Danish kingdom.
A "Fight for the Rest of the World"
Poul Johannesen, from the citizen's initiative Hands Off Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland's indigenous name), framed the struggle in global terms. "In these times, it is important that we show a united front and cooperate broadly," he said. "We demand respect for Greenland’s right to self-determination and respect for the people of Greenland. This is not only a fight for Greenland, but also for the rest of the world."
In a move seen as aggressive coercion, Trump threatened on Friday to impose tariffs on any parties opposing his annexation plans.
NATO Allies Respond with Arctic Troop Deployments
The escalating situation has triggered a significant military response from NATO members. Earlier in the week, several allies including France, Germany, the UK, Norway, and Sweden deployed troops to the Arctic island.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen underscored the gravity of the situation, stating that Greenland's defence is now a "common concern" for the entire NATO alliance. This collective action marks a rapid militarisation of the diplomatic standoff, highlighting the strategic importance of Greenland in Arctic geopolitics.
The protests and military movements create a tense backdrop for the ongoing diplomatic talks, with the sovereignty of Greenland and the stability of the North Atlantic hanging in the balance.
