EU cites mutual defence obligation as US eyes Greenland

A forcible seizure of Greenland by the United States would mark the end of NATO, European Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius said on the sidelines of a security conference in Sweden.

“I agree with the Danish Prime Minister that this will be the end of NATO, but it will also have very, very negative consequences in the eyes of the people,” Kubilius stated, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

According to the Commissioner, European Union member states would be legally obliged to assist Denmark in the event of military aggression, as stipulated by Article 42.7 of the Treaty on European Union. He emphasized that the alliance’s response would depend largely on Denmark’s position and reaction to any attempt by the United States to assert control over Greenland.

“Of course, member states are obliged to provide mutual assistance if another member state is facing military aggression,” Kubilius said.

The remarks come amid renewed controversy over Greenland following a series of statements and actions linked to US President Donald Trump. Trump recently posted on his Truth Social platform, declaring: “I am the one who saved NATO.”

On January 3, 2026, Trump adviser Stephen Miller’s wife, Katie Miller, published an image of Greenland colored in the hues of the US flag. Miller later suggested that no country would be willing to confront the United States over the island’s future.

According to media reports, Washington is preparing a deal with Greenland that would bypass Denmark and lead to the conclusion of a Compact of Free Association (COFA) agreement. In response, European countries, together with Copenhagen, are reportedly working on a plan to counter potential US moves.

On January 10, Trump publicly reiterated his desire to acquire Greenland, arguing that US ownership is necessary to protect both the island and the United States from threats posed by Russia and China. Beijing subsequently called for China not to be drawn into the dispute

By Vafa Guliyeva