FM: NATO rules prevent US from using force to control Greenland

The rules of the North Atlantic Alliance (NATO) would not allow the United States to use force to establish control over Greenland, according to Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue conference in the Indian capital, Eide highlighted that while NATO’s Article 5 is widely known for its collective defence obligations against external threats, Article 1 is equally important, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

This provision commits member states to refrain from the use of force or even the threat of force against one another.

Eide stressed that if NATO adheres firmly to its commitments, there should be no expectation of altering borders without prior agreement.

His remarks came in response to a question on how NATO would react if the United States attempted to annex Greenland.

To recall, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his belief that the United States will eventually annex Greenland, following the Arctic island's recent election results. Speaking during an Oval Office meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump stated, “I think it will happen,” emphasising Greenland’s importance for international security. He added, "We need that [Greenland] for international security," expressing confidence in Rutte’s support for the idea.

Trump's comments were met with backlash from Greenlandic and Danish leaders. Rasmus Jarlov, chairman of the defense committee in Denmark’s parliament, posted on X, “We do not appreciate the Secr. Gen. of NATO joking with Trump about Greenland like this,” warning that such statements could lead to conflict between NATO members. Greenland's leader, Múte B. Egede, also responded, declaring “enough is enough” and convening party leaders to reaffirm their rejection of Trump’s position.

Jens-Frederik Nielsen, winner of Greenland's recent election, criticised Trump’s remarks, calling them “unacceptable” and reaffirming that Greenland is “not for sale” and will not become part of the U.S.

By Aghakazim Guliyev