NATO and Greenland’s government said Monday they will strengthen defences around the Arctic territory, seeking to deter renewed US pressure over control.
President Donald Trump has revived talk of buying or annexing Greenland, warning the United States would take the island “one way or the other”.
Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the island’s security belongs in NATO, calling for defence planning anchored firmly within the alliance.
He said Greenland would work closely with NATO, Denmark and the United States to shape any future military presence in and around the territory.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance is discussing next steps to reinforce Arctic security, amid rising strategic competition in the region.
Diplomats say some allies have floated a new NATO mission in the Arctic, although no formal proposals have yet emerged.
Trump argues Greenland is vital to US national security and points to the island’s largely untapped rare earth minerals.
In Nuuk, residents said anxiety is growing, as Trump’s once-dismissed rhetoric increasingly feels urgent and forceful.
“We laughed at first, but now he is more aggressive,” said theology student Nuunu Binzer, reflecting a shifting public mood.
Another student, Mininnguaq Fontain, said he opposed militarisation but would feel safer if soldiers were present in case of attack.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any US armed move against Greenland would effectively spell the end of NATO.
Denmark has boosted Arctic security spending to roughly 90 billion kroner this year, while signalling openness to a larger US military presence.
Under a long-standing defence treaty, Washington could deploy more troops to Greenland by notifying Copenhagen.
Danish and Greenlandic leaders are preparing for talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio this week in Washington.
Officials say Denmark wants to present a united front with Greenland’s government before meeting American representatives.
Nielsen acknowledged growing unease but said his government would never accept a US takeover under any circumstances.
Once a Danish colony, Greenland now governs itself and polls show its people strongly oppose becoming part of the United States.