US Vice-President Critiques Denmark and Europe's Response to Greenland's Security

Sat Jan 10 2026 10:38:51 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

JD Vance appraises the importance of Greenland in international defense against potential threats, criticizing Denmark and its European allies for inadequate security measures amidst renewed geopolitical interest in the region.

In a recent interview, US Vice-President JD Vance asserted that Greenland is critical for global defense, particularly in the context of Russian and Chinese threats. He criticized Denmark and European countries for their lack of investment in security and their failure to engage adequately on defense discussions about the territory. Vance's remarks come amid ongoing US interests in Greenland, including discussions about acquiring the territory, which Denmark and Greenland officials have firmly opposed.

US Vice-President JD Vance has recently emphasized the strategic importance of Greenland for the defense of the United States and its allies, particularly against potential missile threats from Russia and China. Speaking to Fox News, Vance criticized both Denmark and Europe for allegedly failing to secure the semiautonomous Danish territory, which he described as 'critical' to world security.

Vance's comments underscored a growing sentiment within the US regarding Greenland, where discussions within the Biden administration about a potential proposal to purchase the territory are reportedly ongoing. This follows a historical context where former President Donald Trump attempted to purchase Greenland back in 2019, only to be rebuffed by Danish officials. Vance critiqued that not only has Denmark under-invested in the defenses of Greenland, but they have also ignored the strategic importance of the territory in conversations about global security.

Greenland's geo-strategic position, situated between North America and the Arctic, is crucial for early missile detection systems as well as monitoring maritime activities. Currently, there are more than 100 US military personnel stationed at the Pituffik base in northwest Greenland, which the US has operated since World War II. Under existing agreements, the US maintains the right to station more troops as deemed necessary.

Despite Vance's declarations, both Greenlandic and Danish officials have reiterated that the island is not for sale, and there are significant concerns about sovereignty. Aaja Chemnitz, a representative in the Danish parliament, condemned any discussions about potential annexation as a clear threat to Greenland and a violation of established international norms. European leaders have rallied to warn that any moves to acquire Greenland militarily or politically would jeopardize NATO's integrity and the principles of sovereignty.

Amidst this geopolitical tension, Vance expressed that, in the face of hostile actions from major global adversaries, securing Greenland is vital for the safety of not just the United States but global allies as well. With the climate crisis rendering more of Greenland's resources accessible, there is mounting international interest, which only complicates the situation further.

In summary, the recent statements by US officials, particularly from Vice-President Vance, emphasize an urgent need for increased military investment in Greenland and a reassessment of its strategic importance. As international dynamics shift, the ongoing dialogue regarding Greenland's future must also address the aspirations and rights of its indigenous people, whose voices have largely been sidelined in these discussions.