Why does Trump want Greenland and what could it mean for Nato and the EU?

January 20, 2026

President Donald Trump has intensified demands to acquire Greenland, citing national security concerns and refusing to rule out military intervention, while the island's government and Denmark have firmly rejected his overtures. Trump has threatened to impose escalating tariffs on eight European nations, including Denmark, starting at 10% in February and potentially reaching 25% by June if they don't support his territorial ambitions. The dispute has sparked a major transatlantic crisis, with European leaders condemning what they view as blackmail and warning of proportional responses to American aggression.

Who is affected

Greenland's approximately 56,000 residents, mostly indigenous Inuit people
Denmark and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen
Eight European nations facing tariff threats: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland
NATO alliance members
European leaders including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen
US military personnel stationed at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland
Greenland's Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen

What action is being taken

Trump is threatening 10% tariffs on goods from eight European countries starting February 1st, increasing to 25% from June 1st
Denmark is proposing that NATO start surveillance operations in Greenland
Several European countries including France, Sweden and Germany are sending military personnel to Greenland for exercises and security purposes
Thousands of people are protesting in both Greenland and Denmark against Trump's plans
The US operates and monitors for missiles at Pituffik Space Base

Why it matters

Greenland's strategic location between North America and the Arctic makes it critical for early warning systems against missile attacks and monitoring regional vessels, particularly given perceived threats from Russia and China. The territory also contains valuable natural resources including rare earth minerals, uranium, iron, and potentially significant oil and gas reserves. Trump's demands and tariff threats represent a fundamental challenge to transatlantic relations and NATO unity, with European leaders warning of a dangerous deterioration in diplomatic ties. The dispute raises questions about territorial sovereignty, colonial legacies, and the rights of indigenous populations to determine their own future.

What's next

The threatened 10% tariffs are scheduled to take effect on February 1st
If no deal is agreed, tariffs would increase to 25% starting June 1st
NATO surveillance operations in Greenland have been proposed by Denmark (pending implementation)

Read full article from source: BBC