EU urges sovereignty respect following Trump's Greenland remarks
EU spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, Anitta Hipper (Photo: Getty Images)
EU spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, Anitta Hipper stated that the European Union calls for respecting the sovereignty of its member states. This follows a statement by US President-elect Donald Trump about purchasing Greenland.
At a press conference on Wednesday, January 8, she stated that she would not delve into specific remarks but emphasized that the sovereignty of EU countries must be respected.
“By principle, the sovereignty of states must be respected. This is also our diplomatic value and a key principle we operate. This applies to Denmark as well,” the spokesperson said.
EU economic security spokesperson Ulof Gill urged caution following Trump’s statements about Greenland.
“Let’s tone it down a bit here. We’re talking about fairly hypothetical matters and about an administration that has not yet taken office,” he emphasized.
It is worth noting that Greenland is not formally an EU member but is linked to the European Union through a special association agreement for overseas countries and territories. Greenland is the largest island and part of Denmark.
Trump's ambitions
During his first presidential term, Donald Trump repeatedly expressed a desire to “buy” Greenland. However, Denmark insists that the island is its territory and cannot be “sold.”
In December 2024, Trump once again reiterated his interest in acquiring Greenland. He also threatened to bring the Panama Canal back under US control.
Denmark has been strengthening Greenland's defense and even altered its coat of arms amidst the claims of the US President-elect.
More details on what Trump’s statements mean find in RBC-Ukraine’s material.
