Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen spoke to the press ahead of NATO's 36th Summit of Heads of State and Government. Frederiksen stated that the world is becoming increasingly unsafe and called for Europe to rearm and NATO to be strengthened.
Support for Ukraine and Defense Industry Emphasis
Frederiksen said that a strong defense industrial base needs to be built across Europe and transatlantically with the United States. She emphasized the need for more aid to Ukraine and increased pressure on Russia, saying, "We must ensure that the only rightful winner of this war is Ukraine. Our unity and determination to stand together are perhaps more important than ever."
"Greenland is not for sale"
Criticizing the U.S. approach toward Greenland, Frederiksen said her country's position is clear. "Unfortunately, the U.S. President's position on this matter is very clear, and our position, as always, is clear. Greenland is, of course, not for sale," Frederiksen said, adding that they expect everyone, including allies, to respect the Greenlandic people's right to self-determination. "We are a sovereign state; everyone must respect our territorial integrity and sovereignty. We are ready to defend every centimeter of NATO territory, including our own," she said.
"Article 5 is our insurance"
Frederiksen expressed full commitment to NATO's collective defense principle, Article 5. "If something happens to one of us, we must all stand up for each other. Article 5 is our insurance," she said, adding that this principle applies to the eastern flank as much as it did to the U.S. after the September 11 attacks and to Greenland. Stating that they would defend the Kingdom of Denmark to the end, Frederiksen also said she had no doubt about the U.S. commitment to Article 5. "Without NATO, it is impossible for me to ensure the security of my people. It is thanks to NATO that people across the transatlantic community can be safe, and this will remain so in the future," she assessed.
Icelandic Prime Minister's Statement on Greenland
Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir, for her part, said, "Greenland belongs to the Greenlandic people. They do not want to be part of the U.S. They are very clear on this." Noting that NATO has grown stronger over the past 12 months, Frostadóttir said the alliance has been strengthened with more members and resources allocated to defense. Frostadóttir emphasized the need to focus on the Russian threat rather than the Greenland debates.
