The Financial Times says European countries don’t have a clear plan to deal with a possible U.S. move toward taking control of Greenland.
According to the report, the EU is also unprepared for scenarios that may be more realistic, like the United States trying to influence Greenland through money, pressure, or pushing its autonomous government to break away from Denmark.
The paper notes that U.S. President Donald Trump would likely hold the advantage in any confrontation. If Europe pushed back, Trump could respond with stronger actions or tougher threats.
Some European leaders have quietly discussed possible responses, such as closing U.S. military bases in Europe or stopping purchases of U.S. Treasury bonds. Still, the chances of the EU taking such steps are seen as very low.
Instead, European leaders are expected to rely on what the report calls “strategic pressure” on Trump. Their goal would be to avoid open conflict and keep U.S. support for Ukraine intact.
Trump has repeatedly said he believes Greenland should become part of the United States. During his first term, he openly suggested buying the island. In March 2025, he again said he was confident Greenland could be annexed.
Former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller also questioned Denmark’s control over Greenland, saying the island should belong to the United States.
Greenland is a self-governing territory under the Kingdom of Denmark. In 1951, Denmark and the United States signed a defense agreement, alongside their NATO ties, under which the U.S. committed to protecting Greenland from any outside threats.
