Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has warned citizens to begin preparing for a potential military crisis, even as he stressed that such a scenario remains unlikely. Speaking at a press conference, Nielsen said a conflict “cannot be ruled out,” underlining the need for readiness in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
“It’s not likely there will be a military conflict, but it can’t be ruled out,” Nielsen said. He added that Greenland’s NATO membership means any escalation would have global consequences. “Greenland is part of NATO. If tensions rise, it would affect the rest of the world as well,” he noted.
To that end, the Greenlandic government plans to guide citizens through a preparedness process. Authorities will establish a dedicated task force and issue new civil-defence guidelines. Among the recommendations is keeping enough food at home to last at least five days. However, officials clarified that there has been no formal call for people to stockpile essential supplies so far.
Finance Minister Múte B. Egede echoed the prime minister’s concerns. He said Greenland is under “a lot of pressure” and must be ready for all possible scenarios. His remarks reflect growing unease in Nuuk amid rising geopolitical attention on the strategically vital Arctic territory.
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Trump’s Greenland Push Strains Trans-Atlantic Ties
Meanwhile, tensions have intensified as U.S. President Donald Trump renews his controversial interest in acquiring Greenland. Known for disrupting global summits and pressuring allies with tariff threats, Trump has once again unsettled European leaders ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Although America’s alliances have so far endured Trump’s confrontational style, his latest remarks appear to have pushed relations to a new low. European leaders gathering in the Swiss Alps are now reassessing their ties with Washington. Trump’s demands over Greenland have bewildered many of them and shifted the focus of Davos toward damage control.
When asked how far he would go to acquire Greenland, Trump offered a blunt reply at the White House: “You’ll find out.” His vague threats of territorial expansion, coupled with warnings of fresh tariffs, have deepened mistrust across Europe. Just days before departing for Davos, Trump mocked European leaders online and shared private messages from several of them. One message from French President Emmanuel Macron read, “I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland.”
On the ground, public anger in Greenland is boiling over. Thousands of residents poured into the streets of Nuuk, chanting “Greenland is not for sale.” Reports describe it as the largest demonstration in the country’s history. Protesters see Trump’s comments as a direct challenge to Greenland’s sovereignty.
As Davos begins, the Greenland issue is expected to dominate closed-door discussions. Many diplomats now fear it could mark the start of a deeper rupture in U.S.–Europe relations, with long-term implications for NATO unity and Arctic security.
