US takeover of Greenland would mean end of NATO, says EU Commissioner
Photo: Andrius Kubilius, EU Commissioner (Getty Images)
If the US were to seize Greenland, it would lead to the collapse of the North Atlantic Alliance. At the same time, EU countries would provide support to Denmark, this was stated in a comment to Reuters by EU Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius.
"I agree with the Danish prime minister that it will be the end of NATO, but also among people it will be also very, very negative," Kubilius emphasized, commenting on the possibility that the US might reclaim Greenland by force.
According to him, this would have a "very deep negative impact among the people and on our transatlantic relations."
Kubilius also said he does not consider a US military invasion likely, but reminded that Article 42.7 of the Treaty on European Union obliges member states to come to Denmark’s aid in the event of military aggression against it.
"It will depend on very much on Denmark, how they will react, what will be their position, but definitely there is such an obligation of member states to come for mutual assistance if another member state is facing military aggression," the EU Commissioner explained.
He questioned the advisability of occupying Greenland by force and warned that it would affect all aspects of relations between Europe and the US.
"Who will recognise that occupation and what impacts on all the relationship in between of the United States and Europe, including, for example, trade, where also Americans can face quite painful negative consequences," Kubilius stressed.
He warned that the EU could provide Greenland with additional security at Denmark’s request, including the deployment of troops and military infrastructure, such as warships and counter-drone systems.
"That's for military people to say what Greenland or the Arctic defence needs. Everything is possible," the EU Commissioner said.
Trump’s ambitions
US President Donald Trump has recently been speaking more often about his desire for Greenland to become part of the United States.
According to him, this is necessary as part of the defense against Russia and China. The American leader believes that if the island does not become part of the US, it will be seized either by Beijing or Moscow.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has already warned that if the US were to attack Greenland, "everything would collapse, including NATO."
