Madrid: Spain's Defense Minister Margarita Robles announced on Thursday that Madrid is contemplating participation in a potential European military mission in Greenland. This consideration arises amid increasing tensions following US President Donald Trump's controversial remarks about gaining control over the Danish territory.
According to Anadolu Agency, Robles mentioned that reinforcing surveillance in Greenland could be a possibility, although Spain intends to monitor the situation carefully before taking any action. Her remarks come as the UK, France, Germany, Sweden, and Norway have already declared their intention to deploy troops to Greenland, which remains an autonomous region under Danish jurisdiction.
Robles emphasized Spain's commitment to respecting Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland and condemned any US attempts to claim the island as 'unacceptable' and 'extremely serious.' Despite these tensions, she expressed confidence that such a scenario would not lead to NATO's destabilization.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares echoed Robles' sentiments, suggesting that any perceived threats in Greenland could be addressed within the North Atlantic Council. Albares stressed that the future of Greenland should ultimately be decided by its inhabitants, noting Denmark's determination to maintain sovereignty over the region, which is part of both the EU and NATO.
Greenland's strategic location and abundant mineral resources have heightened US interest, with alleged concerns about increased Russian and Chinese activities. Despite pressure, Denmark and Greenland have consistently rejected any proposals to sell the territory, reinforcing their sovereignty.
As European countries bolster their military presence in Greenland, conducting exercises and reconnaissance missions, President Trump remains adamant that the territory should be under US control to counter Russian and Chinese influence. However, recent discussions between Danish and American officials have not altered the US stance on the matter.