Germany downplays risk of US military move on Greenland

WASHINGTON — Germany’s foreign minister has played down fears of a possible US military move against Greenland, saying there is no indication that such action is being seriously considered, despite recent remarks by President Donald Trump about taking control of the island.

Speaking after talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the focus should remain on addressing shared security concerns in the Arctic rather than speculation about military confrontation.

“I see no evidence that this is under serious consideration,” Wadephul told reporters. “There is a common interest in dealing with the security challenges in the Arctic region, and this should be done collectively.”

His comments come ahead of high-level discussions in Washington between US officials and representatives from Denmark and Greenland. Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark and a member of the NATO alliance through Copenhagen.

President Trump has recently renewed calls for the United States to take control of Greenland, citing growing strategic competition in the Arctic involving Russia and China. He has said the US will secure the territory “one way or another,” raising concerns among European allies.

Greenland’s government has firmly rejected any suggestion of a takeover, stating that the island’s future will be decided solely by its people. Danish officials have also reiterated their support for Greenland’s sovereignty.

NATO officials confirmed that discussions are underway to strengthen the defense of the Arctic region, an area gaining importance due to climate change, new shipping routes, and increased military activity by major powers.

While tensions remain high in rhetoric, European leaders continue to stress diplomacy and alliance coordination as the preferred path forward in managing Arctic security challenges.