Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has sparked a debate after comparing children’s use of social media to smoking. While speaking about online safety and the risks associated with social media for young people, Frederiksen said that she would rather have her kids smoking than using social media. While the Danish leader made the remark earlier this month at a conference on artificial intelligence and child safety, they have surfaced now on social media, going viral.“If I had small kids today, I would rather have them smoking than allowing them to stay on their own on social media. But I am acting prime minister, so I will not say that,” Frederiksen said.She added, “There’s something wrong with us... We still look into old threats, but there’s a new one, and it’s much more present.”This comes as Denmark moves to ban social media use for children under 15, while teens aged 13 and 14 would be allowed to access it only with parental permission. The rules could take effect as early as next year.Speaking in the Danish Parliament last year on October 7, Frederiksen said “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: we’ve been too naive. We’ve left children’s digital lives to platforms that never had their wellbeing in mind. We must move from digital captivity to community.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Denmark’s PM Mette Frederiksen: If I had small kids today, I would rather have them smoking than allowing them to stay on their own on social media. But I am acting prime minister, so I will not say that. <a href="https://t.co/I3oSu0UDgk">pic.twitter.com/I3oSu0UDgk</a>&mdash; Clash Report (@clashreport) <a href="https://x.com/clashreport/status/2061163473933844907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Social media reacts</h2>Frederiksen’s viral remarks sparked controversy as many criticised her for comparing social media to smoke, something which can be gravely harmful for health. Some people also backed her remarks, supporting the social media ban for teens across Europe.“That is absolutely absurd. Social media is a mix of good and bad. You can make it 100% good if you want to (profile curation). The bad parts can be a learning experience in standing up for yourself…,” a user said. “Smoking, on the other hand, is a destructive addiction. Much, much worse.”Another suggested, “Maybe the example wasn’t good but she isn’t wrong. Social media is really terrible for kids.” A person said, “I get the negative effects of social media but the comparison with smoking isn't a good one.”“Information is only a threat if you are threatened by the freedom to know, the issue has never been social media it was fine before engagement algorithms backed a base part of the business model. Eliminate the algorithms, you solve the problem. You don’t need to ban social media for teens and younger children who on the whole benefit more from increased connectedness. Especially the isolated ones,” one user wrote. “You could also actually use existing laws for bullying, harassment and child predators without imposing massive new surveillance methods.”“The timing of this together with the EU trying to further censor social media is disturbing,” another user commented.“It’s taken out of context. She was just trying to express how bad screen time is,” a person said, defending her.<h2>Frederiksen apologies</h2>According to a Sweden Herald report, Frederiksen apologised after her remarks triggered a backlash.“Clearly children and young people should not smoke. Just as children should not be alone on platforms, where they risk seeing harmful images, being offered drugs, being groomed or blackmailed over intimate images. Yesterday I wanted to provoke us adults to understand how vulnerable our children are on screens,” she wrote in a Facebook post.&nbsp;

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen sparked controversy by saying she’d rather her children smoke than use social media unsupervised, as Denmark pushes to ban social media for under-15s.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has sparked a debate after comparing children’s use of social media to smoking. While speaking about online safety and the risks associated with social media for young people, Frederiksen said that she would rather have her kids smoking than using social media. While the Danish leader made the remark earlier this month at a conference on artificial intelligence and child safety, they have surfaced now on social media, going viral. “If I had small kids today, I would rather have them smoking than allowing them to stay on their own on social media. But I am acting prime minister, so I will not say that,” Frederiksen said. She added, “There’s something wrong with us... We still look into old threats, but there’s a new one, and it’s much more present.” This comes as Denmark moves to ban social media use for children under 15, while teens aged 13 and 14 would be allowed to access it only with parental permission. The rules could take effect as early as next year. Speaking in the Danish Parliament last year on October 7, Frederiksen said “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: we’ve been too naive. We’ve left children’s digital lives to platforms that never had their wellbeing in mind. We must move from digital captivity to community.”

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen sparked controversy by saying she’d rather her children smoke than use social media unsupervised, as Denmark pushes to ban social media for under-15s.

‘Would rather have kids smoke than stay on social media’: Danish PM’s remark goes viral, sparking debate

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen resigned on Wednesday after meeting with King Frederik to set the government formation process in motion after Social Democrats won the most votes in Tuesday’s Danish general election but slumped to their weakest performance since 1903. PM Frederiksen’s coalition bloc failed to secure a majority.&nbsp;Frederiksen's party got 21.9% of the vote and has by far the most seats, but her left-wing grouping fell well short of the 90 seats needed for a majority.The Social Democrats have been in power since 2019, and Frederiksen told cheering supporters she was “sorry that we did not get more votes."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-will-not-allow-trump-to-dictate-timeline-iran-rejects-us-ceasefire-plan-presents-counterproposal-1774453523235">Will not allow Trump to dictate timeline’: Iran rejects US ceasefire plan, presents counterproposal</a>&nbsp;Frederiksen, 48, went to the Danish Royal Palace and handed her resignation to King Frederik during the meeting. Her resignation is customary, as it sets in motion the new government formation process, as the outgoing three-party government does not have the majority to continue in office. The coalition’s 70 seats are well short of the 90 required for a majority.Frederiksen will remain in post as a caretaker until a new administration is formed and is still among the favourites for the top job.&nbsp;In a message of defiance after the results, Frederiksen said, “There is nothing today that can make me sad that the Social Democrats have once again become the Danes’ absolute favourite political party.”“I have been responsible for this wonderful country for almost 7 years,” Frederiksen continued. “I am still ready to take on responsibility as Denmark’s prime minister.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pakistan-offers-peace-can-it-really-end-the-us-iran-israel-war-1774450376322">Pakistan offers peace: Can it really end the US–Iran–Israel War?</a>&nbsp;The Social Democrats’ main right-wing rival, the Liberal party Venstre, also put up its worst showing for a century, with just 10.1% of the votes, falling behind the Green Left SF.&nbsp;Frederiksen still has a chance to stay in power for a third term, but tough negotiations could take days or weeks.Twelve political parties were on the ballot paper.Claiming a total of 84 seats, the “red bloc” of left-wing parties has clinched a small lead over the “blue bloc” on the right, which has 77 seats combined.&nbsp;Both blocs have fallen short of the 90 seats that are needed for a majority in Denmark’s 179-seat parliament.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bjp-leader-mocks-pakistan-s-peace-broker-claims-after-iran-turns-back-karachi-bound-vessel-1774441066094">BJP leader mocks Pakistan’s ‘peace broker’ claims after Iran turns back Karachi-bound vessel</a>&nbsp;The Moderates, led by former Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, have 14 seats, and he can be the kingmaker.Frederiksen called the vote months earlier than expected, gambling that her boosted poll numbers over her handling of US President Donald Trump’s threat to annex Greenland would help hand her a third term.However, domestic issues dominated the campaign trail instead of geopolitical concerns.&nbsp;“His Majesty the King has then received the acting prime minister and, based on the parties’ statements, has concluded that the parties representing the largest number of seats in the Folketing have recommended that acting prime minister Mette Frederiksen be appointed to lead negotiations on the formation of a government,” said the Royal Palace.&nbsp;Rasmussen’s party secured 14 seats in Tuesday’s elections, significantly fewer than his former coalition partners, but by refusing to take part in old-fashioned “bloc” politics, he has effectively become kingmaker.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the vote months earlier than expected, gambling that her boosted poll numbers over her handling of US President Donald Trump’s threat to annex Greenland would help hand her a third term. However, domestic issues dominated the campaign.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen resigned on Wednesday after meeting with King Frederik to set the government formation process in motion after Social Democrats won the most votes in Tuesday’s Danish general election but slumped to their weakest performance since 1903. PM Frederiksen’s coalition bloc failed to secure a majority. Frederiksen's party got 21.9% of the vote and has by far the most seats, but her left-wing grouping fell well short of the 90 seats needed for a majority. The Social Democrats have been in power since 2019, and Frederiksen told cheering supporters she was “sorry that we did not get more votes." Also Read: Will not allow Trump to dictate timeline’: Iran rejects US ceasefire plan, presents counterproposal Frederiksen, 48, went to the Danish Royal Palace and handed her resignation to King Frederik during the meeting. Her resignation is customary, as it sets in motion the new government formation process, as the outgoing three-party government does not have the majority to continue in office. The coalition’s 70 seats are well short of the 90 required for a majority. Frederiksen will remain in post as a caretaker until a new administration is formed and is still among the favourites for the top job. In a message of defiance after the results, Frederiksen said, “There is nothing today that can make me sad that the Social Democrats have once again become the Danes’ absolute favourite political party.” “I have been responsible for this wonderful country for almost 7 years,” Frederiksen continued. “I am still ready to take on responsibility as Denmark’s prime minister.” Also Read: Pakistan offers peace: Can it really end the US–Iran–Israel War? The Social Democrats’ main right-wing rival, the Liberal party Venstre, also put up its worst showing for a century, with just 10.1% of the votes, falling behind the Green Left SF. Frederiksen still has a chance to stay in power for a third term, but tough negotiations could take days or weeks. Twelve political parties were on the ballot paper. Claiming a total of 84 seats, the “red bloc” of left-wing parties has clinched a small lead over the “blue bloc” on the right, which has 77 seats combined. Both blocs have fallen short of the 90 seats that are needed for a majority in Denmark’s 179-seat parliament. Also Read: BJP leader mocks Pakistan’s ‘peace broker’ claims after Iran turns back Karachi-bound vessel The Moderates, led by former Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, have 14 seats, and he can be the kingmaker. Frederiksen called the vote months earlier than expected, gambling that her boosted poll numbers over her handling of US President Donald Trump’s threat to annex Greenland would help hand her a third term. However, domestic issues dominated the campaign trail instead of geopolitical concerns. “His Majesty the King has then received the acting prime minister and, based on the parties’ statements, has concluded that the parties representing the largest number of seats in the Folketing have recommended that acting prime minister Mette Frederiksen be appointed to lead negotiations on the formation of a government,” said the Royal Palace. Rasmussen’s party secured 14 seats in Tuesday’s elections, significantly fewer than his former coalition partners, but by refusing to take part in old-fashioned “bloc” politics, he has effectively become kingmaker.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the vote months earlier than expected, gambling that her boosted poll numbers over her handling of US President Donald Trump’s threat to annex Greenland would help hand her a third term. However, domestic issues dominated the campaign.

Danish PM Frederiksen resigns after failing to secure majority, may become PM again

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Thursday announced snap parliamentary elections on March 24 as her party sees a surge in popularity after she pushed back against US President Donald Trump’s aggressive bid to acquire the Danish territory of Greenland. “This will be a decisive election, because it will be in the next four years that we as Danes and as Europeans will really have to stand on our own feet,” Frederiksen said.&nbsp;“We need to define our relationship with the United States, and we must rearm to ensure peace on our continent. We must stick together in Europe, and we must secure the future of the Danish Commonwealth,” she told parliament, referring to the Danish Kingdom that consists of Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands.&nbsp;In Denmark, a general election is held every four years, but the prime minister can call one at any time.The last election was held on November 1, 2022, and resulted in a three-party coalition.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-economic-forum-chief-borge-brende-quits-over-his-links-with-epstein-1772107692150">World Economic Forum chief Borge Brende quits over his links with Epstein</a>&nbsp;Mette Frederiksen has earned recognition at home and on the global stage for her efforts to push back against President Trump’s efforts to acquire the semi-autonomous Danish territory.&nbsp;<h2>Recent Danish politics dominated by Trump’s threats to annex Greenland</h2>&nbsp;The past few months of Danish politics have been dominated by Trump’s threats to annex Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory.Last month, Trump dropped threats to use force against the fellow NATO ally to seize the Arctic island he argues is necessary to defend against possible attacks from Russia and China.&nbsp;More than 100 US military personnel are permanently stationed at a US base in Greenland’s northwestern tip, a facility operated by the US since World War Two.Under existing agreements with Denmark, the US has the power to bring as many troops as it wants to Greenland.Backed by their European allies, both Denmark and Greenland have said they will not agree to cede sovereignty to the US.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suicide-bomber-blows-himself-up-near-pakistan-checkpost-4-cops-dead-1772038584936">Suicide bomber blows himself up near Pakistan checkpost; 4 cops dead | Video</a><h2>‘Security is and will remain the very foundation of Danish politics’</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;PM Frederiksen told parliament that security is and will remain the very foundation of Danish politics for many, many years to come.&nbsp;“Whether I will continue to be your prime minister depends on how strong a mandate you give the Social Democrats,” Frederiksen said, mentioning her party, the lead partner in the ruling coalition.Greenland is sparsely populated, but its location between North America and the Arctic makes it well-placed for early warning systems in the event of missile attacks.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-orders-blanket-ban-on-ncert-textbook-says-heads-must-roll-1772104695420">Supreme Court orders blanket ban on NCERT textbook, says ‘heads must roll’</a>&nbsp;The Danish government is a cross-partisan coalition of PM Frederiksen’s Social Democrats, the centre-right Liberal Party led by Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, and the Moderates, led by Lars Lokke Rasmussen, the foreign minister who has twice served as prime minister.

In Denmark, a general election is held every four years, but the prime minister can call one at any time. The last election was held on November 1, 2022, and resulted in a three-party coalition. The past few months of Danish politics have been dominated by Trump’s threats to annex Greenland.

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Thursday announced snap parliamentary elections on March 24 as her party sees a surge in popularity after she pushed back against US President Donald Trump’s aggressive bid to acquire the Danish territory of Greenland. “This will be a decisive election, because it will be in the next four years that we as Danes and as Europeans will really have to stand on our own feet,” Frederiksen said. “We need to define our relationship with the United States, and we must rearm to ensure peace on our continent. We must stick together in Europe, and we must secure the future of the Danish Commonwealth,” she told parliament, referring to the Danish Kingdom that consists of Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands. In Denmark, a general election is held every four years, but the prime minister can call one at any time. The last election was held on November 1, 2022, and resulted in a three-party coalition. Also Read: World Economic Forum chief Borge Brende quits over his links with Epstein Mette Frederiksen has earned recognition at home and on the global stage for her efforts to push back against President Trump’s efforts to acquire the semi-autonomous Danish territory. Recent Danish politics dominated by Trump’s threats to annex Greenland The past few months of Danish politics have been dominated by Trump’s threats to annex Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory. Last month, Trump dropped threats to use force against the fellow NATO ally to seize the Arctic island he argues is necessary to defend against possible attacks from Russia and China. More than 100 US military personnel are permanently stationed at a US base in Greenland’s northwestern tip, a facility operated by the US since World War Two. Under existing agreements with Denmark, the US has the power to bring as many troops as it wants to Greenland. Backed by their European allies, both Denmark and Greenland have said they will not agree to cede sovereignty to the US. Also Read: Suicide bomber blows himself up near Pakistan checkpost; 4 cops dead | Video ‘Security is and will remain the very foundation of Danish politics’ PM Frederiksen told parliament that security is and will remain the very foundation of Danish politics for many, many years to come. “Whether I will continue to be your prime minister depends on how strong a mandate you give the Social Democrats,” Frederiksen said, mentioning her party, the lead partner in the ruling coalition. Greenland is sparsely populated, but its location between North America and the Arctic makes it well-placed for early warning systems in the event of missile attacks. Also Read: Supreme Court orders blanket ban on NCERT textbook, says ‘heads must roll’ The Danish government is a cross-partisan coalition of PM Frederiksen’s Social Democrats, the centre-right Liberal Party led by Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, and the Moderates, led by Lars Lokke Rasmussen, the foreign minister who has twice served as prime minister.

In Denmark, a general election is held every four years, but the prime minister can call one at any time. The last election was held on November 1, 2022, and resulted in a three-party coalition. The past few months of Danish politics have been dominated by Trump’s threats to annex Greenland.

Danish PM Mette Frederiksen calls snap election amid popularity surge for resisting Trump’s bid to acquire Greenland

Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and NATO chief Mark Rutte on Friday (Jan 23) agreed that the alliance should take additional measures to strengthen Arctic security following weeks of tensions with the United States over President Trump's threats over seizing control of Greenland. "We're working together to ensure that the whole of NATO is safe and secure and will build on our cooperation to enhance deterrence and defence in the Arctic," Rutte wrote on X after meeting Frederiksen in Brussels.&nbsp;Danish PM, who is set to travel to Greenland to hold a meeting with its premier, said "we agree that NATO should increase its engagement in the Arctic".&nbsp;"Defence and security in the Arctic are matters for the entire alliance," she wrote on X.&nbsp;These development comes after Trump softened his stance on Greenland, claiming that negotiators had formed a “framework of a future deal” on the Danish autonomous territory after meetings at the World Economic Forum in Davos with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-major-escalation-european-union-stalls-us-trade-deal-after-trump-threatens-tariffs-over-greenland-1768924683804">In major escalation, European Union stalls US trade deal after Trump threatens tariffs over Greenland</a>&nbsp;Trump also took back his tariff threats against European countries, which he announced for opposition to his plan to take control of Greenland and said that the United States will not use force to acquire the island.&nbsp;However, details of the agreement between NATO and the United States were not made public, but several reports suggest that they have agreed on boosting the security of Greenland by increasing NATO presence, along with renegotiating a 1951 pact that governs American force deployments on Greenland. Tensions between the European Union and the United States sharply escalated after Trump earlier announced tariffs against eight European countries over their opposition to his plan to acquire Greenland.&nbsp;In response, European Union lawmakers decided to hold off ratifying a trade deal finalised between the European bloc and the United States, while multiple European leaders cautioned that the issue could be a potential end of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

These development comes after Trump softened his stance on Greenland, claiming that negotiators had formed a “framework of a future deal” on the Danish autonomous territory after meetings at the World Economic Forum in Davos with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and NATO chief Mark Rutte on Friday (Jan 23) agreed that the alliance should take additional measures to strengthen Arctic security following weeks of tensions with the United States over President Trump's threats over seizing control of Greenland. "We're working together to ensure that the whole of NATO is safe and secure and will build on our cooperation to enhance deterrence and defence in the Arctic," Rutte wrote on X after meeting Frederiksen in Brussels. Danish PM, who is set to travel to Greenland to hold a meeting with its premier, said "we agree that NATO should increase its engagement in the Arctic". "Defence and security in the Arctic are matters for the entire alliance," she wrote on X. These development comes after Trump softened his stance on Greenland, claiming that negotiators had formed a “framework of a future deal” on the Danish autonomous territory after meetings at the World Economic Forum in Davos with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Also Read: In major escalation, European Union stalls US trade deal after Trump threatens tariffs over Greenland Trump also took back his tariff threats against European countries, which he announced for opposition to his plan to take control of Greenland and said that the United States will not use force to acquire the island. However, details of the agreement between NATO and the United States were not made public, but several reports suggest that they have agreed on boosting the security of Greenland by increasing NATO presence, along with renegotiating a 1951 pact that governs American force deployments on Greenland. Tensions between the European Union and the United States sharply escalated after Trump earlier announced tariffs against eight European countries over their opposition to his plan to acquire Greenland. In response, European Union lawmakers decided to hold off ratifying a trade deal finalised between the European bloc and the United States, while multiple European leaders cautioned that the issue could be a potential end of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

These development comes after Trump softened his stance on Greenland, claiming that negotiators had formed a “framework of a future deal” on the Danish autonomous territory after meetings at the World Economic Forum in Davos with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

After Trump’s U-turn, NATO and Denmark agree alliance should increase its engagement in arctic

Denmark warns that any US military action to seize Greenland could end NATO and fracture Western unity. Trump seeks American control of the Arctic island, but Copenhagen and Greenland firmly reject the takeover bid.

NATO’s future at risk? Denmark warns US takeover of Greenland could end the alliance

The index combines factors such as manpower, equipment, financial resources, and logistics to assign a PowerIndex score, where a lower score indicates greater military strength.

Where does Denmark stand in NATO? Revealing the top 7 most powerful militaries

Currently, F-16 fleet consists of ageing A/B models, while the F-35 fleet is gradually expanding Denmark initially procured 27 F-35s, with 16 additional jets approved in 2025, making the United States a key supplier of Denmark’s frontline combat aircraft. 

From F-16s to F-35s: Did you know Denmark’s air power depends on made in US fighter jets?

 Recent rhetoric from US President Donald Trump about acquiring Greenland has triggered an unusually tense exchange between Copenhagen and Washington.

Can Denmark really defend Greenland? A comparison of Danish vs US military strength

A 2023 survey showed that 25 of 34 minerals deemed ‘critical raw materials’ by the European Commission were found in Greenland. 

Gold, uranium, diamond, copper and more: Which rare earth minerals are found in Greenland?

Understanding Greenland’s place within the Kingdom of Denmark requires a look at its people, governance, geography and global role. Here are eight facts about Greenland you probably didn’t know.

'World’s largest island, 56,000 residents and more': Top 8 facts about Greenland you didn’t know

Denmark’s modern claim began in 1721 when Norwegian-Danish missionary named Hans Egede established a permanent presence, initiating European colonial rule.

Why is Greenland part of Denmark? History, law and the sovereignty debate

As tensions rise over Greenland’s sovereignty, European leaders have come out in full support of Denmark, rejecting US claims to the Arctic territory. The controversy erupted after Stephen Miller, a top aide to President Donald Trump, intensified US rhetoric about Greenland’s future. Miller questioned Denmark's legitimacy over Greenland, calling for its eventual integration into the US.&nbsp;While European nations, including France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the UK, defended Denmark’s control of Greenland, Miller downplayed the potential for military intervention, saying that Greenland’s small population made such actions unnecessary. His comments, which also dismissed Denmark’s historical and legal claims to the island, were met with swift backlash across Europe. Miller further suggested that Greenland’s strategic importance to NATO meant it should become part of the US to safeguard Western interests in the Arctic. “The US is the power of NATO, and Greenland should be part of the US for its defense and security,” Miller argued in an interview, adding that no nation would dare to challenge the US over Greenland.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-protests-policeman-shot-dead-in-west-protesters-and-security-forces-in-tehran-bazaar-united-states-trump-1767724100284">Iran protests: Policeman shot dead in west; demonstrators and security forces clash in Tehran Bazaar</a>&nbsp;Despite the US’s stance, European leaders emphasised that Greenland’s future must be determined by its people. Several European heads of state joined Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in making it clear that any decisions regarding Greenland’s status are matters for Denmark and Greenland alone. NATO allies, they stressed, must prioritize collective security, with no single nation dictating the fate of Greenland.&nbsp;In Greenland, there is growing concern over the US rhetoric. Greenlandic Minister Naaja H Nathanielsen expressed that the talk of annexation has caused anxiety among Greenlanders, who view the prospect of a US takeover as a dangerous regression to colonialism. While Greenland has long maintained a close partnership with the US, particularly due to the US military base in Thule, the island’s population firmly believes in their right to self-determination and independence. The growing international tensions follow a period of increasing support for Greenlandic independence. In March, a new coalition government in Greenland highlighted this desire, with its agreement saying, “Greenland belongs to us.”

Europe rallies to defend Greenland's sovereignty as US turns up pressure

As tensions rise over Greenland’s sovereignty, European leaders have come out in full support of Denmark, rejecting US claims to the Arctic territory. The controversy erupted after Stephen Miller, a top aide to President Donald Trump, intensified US rhetoric about Greenland’s future. Miller questioned Denmark's legitimacy over Greenland, calling for its eventual integration into the US. While European nations, including France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the UK, defended Denmark’s control of Greenland, Miller downplayed the potential for military intervention, saying that Greenland’s small population made such actions unnecessary. His comments, which also dismissed Denmark’s historical and legal claims to the island, were met with swift backlash across Europe. Miller further suggested that Greenland’s strategic importance to NATO meant it should become part of the US to safeguard Western interests in the Arctic. “The US is the power of NATO, and Greenland should be part of the US for its defense and security,” Miller argued in an interview, adding that no nation would dare to challenge the US over Greenland. Also Read: Iran protests: Policeman shot dead in west; demonstrators and security forces clash in Tehran Bazaar Despite the US’s stance, European leaders emphasised that Greenland’s future must be determined by its people. Several European heads of state joined Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in making it clear that any decisions regarding Greenland’s status are matters for Denmark and Greenland alone. NATO allies, they stressed, must prioritize collective security, with no single nation dictating the fate of Greenland. In Greenland, there is growing concern over the US rhetoric. Greenlandic Minister Naaja H Nathanielsen expressed that the talk of annexation has caused anxiety among Greenlanders, who view the prospect of a US takeover as a dangerous regression to colonialism. While Greenland has long maintained a close partnership with the US, particularly due to the US military base in Thule, the island’s population firmly believes in their right to self-determination and independence. The growing international tensions follow a period of increasing support for Greenlandic independence. In March, a new coalition government in Greenland highlighted this desire, with its agreement saying, “Greenland belongs to us.”

Stephen Miller, a top aide to Donald Trump, escalates tensions with Denmark over Greenland's sovereignty, dismissing military intervention and claiming US control