Germany says U.S. should respect Greenland’s sovereignty amid tensions

(MENAFN) Germany on Sunday called on the United States to respect Greenland’s territorial sovereignty, warning against repeated threats from Washington to seize the island by force.

Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil, who also serves as Germany’s finance minister, told public broadcaster before departing for Washington: “It is solely up to Denmark and Greenland to decide on the future of Greenland.” He emphasized that principles of international law, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, apply to all nations — “including the United States. We are increasing security in the Arctic together as NATO allies, not in opposition to each other.”

Klingbeil is attending talks in Washington with finance ministers from several countries on access to critical raw materials. He confirmed that U.S. ambitions in Greenland would be raised during discussions on the sidelines.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to acquire Greenland since his first term in 2017–2021, insisting that the island’s strategic importance justifies such action. He has pointed to the growing presence of Russian and Chinese vessels in Arctic waters as a reason for urgency.

European allies have expressed alarm at Trump’s refusal to rule out military or economic coercion to secure control of Greenland, warning that such a move could fracture NATO itself.

MENAFN12012026000045017640ID1110584924