Trump’s Greenland threat exposes fault lines for Nato and the EU

European leaders met in Paris to advance a Ukraine peace plan while trying to avoid alienating the United States under President Donald Trump.

The talks were overshadowed by Trump’s renewed insistence that Greenland is vital to US national security.

Greenland is an autonomous Danish territory in the Arctic and a Nato-linked issue for Europe.

Six European powers, including the UK, France and Germany, issued a joint statement backing Denmark and Greenland’s right to decide their future.

The White House responded by confirming it was exploring unilateral options to acquire Greenland.

Utilising the US military is always an option at the Commander-in-Chief’s disposal.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

Trump’s stance followed a controversial US military intervention in Venezuela that alarmed European capitals.

Denmark’s Prime Minister warned that Greenland should not be treated lightly amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Trump argued Greenland was surrounded by Russian and Chinese activity and said Denmark could not guarantee its security.

Copenhagen rejected those claims and pledged billions of dollars to strengthen Arctic defence.

European officials privately fear confronting Washington could fracture Nato unity.

Analysts say the episode highlights Europe’s dependence on US security and its difficulty acting with one voice.

Concerns are growing that uncertainty over Greenland could weaken Nato and strain EU cohesion.