Copenhagen January 22, 2025: Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Thursday firmly stated that Denmark cannot negotiate on its sovereignty, responding to claims by US President Donald Trump that a “framework of a future deal” on Arctic security had been agreed upon with NATO leadership.
Frederiksen said she had been informed that no such framework had been concluded, underscoring that decisions concerning Denmark and Greenland can only be taken by Denmark and Greenland themselves. Her remarks came amid renewed controversy over Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory and a strategically vital part of the Arctic region.
Trump on Wednesday abruptly withdrew proposed tariffs against eight European countries, which he had earlier threatened as part of efforts to press for US control over Greenland. The move marked a sharp reversal from his earlier insistence that the United States sought the island “including right, title and ownership.”
The US president also referred to “additional discussions” on Greenland in connection with the proposed Golden Dome missile defence programme, a USD 175 billion, multi-layered system that would, for the first time, place US weapons in space. Trump provided few details, saying the discussions were still ongoing.
In a statement, Frederiksen acknowledged that Arctic security is a matter of concern for all NATO members and said it was “good and natural” for such issues to be discussed between the US president and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. She added that she has remained in close contact with Rutte, including before and after his meeting with Trump in Davos.
However, Frederiksen made clear that while Denmark is open to negotiations on political, security, investment and economic matters, sovereignty is not up for discussion. “Anything political can be negotiated on — but we cannot negotiate on our sovereignty,” she said, reiterating that NATO is fully aware of Denmark’s position.
She further stressed that Denmark is willing to continue constructive dialogue with allies, including the United States, on strengthening Arctic security and engaging with initiatives such as the Golden Dome programme, provided such discussions respect Denmark’s territorial integrity.
