Greenland's Autonomy Asserted by NATO Allies After U.S. Proposal

European authorities underscored Arctic security significance, reaffirming Greenland's autonomy shortly after Stephen Miller, a senior advisor in the White House, stated that the U.S. formally believes Greenland should be incorporated into its territory.

In a dialogue with CNN, Miller emphasized America's leadership in NATO as a reason for this stance, suggesting that Greenland's integration would strategically aid in securing the Arctic for the alliance.

Greenland, although under Danish sovereignty for three centuries, remains largely self-governed. With an expansive icy terrain, it is sparsely populated, housing approximately 60,000 individuals. The island's geographic positioning offers strategic advantages for both economic and defense operations, situated amidst the American, Russian, and European spheres.

Due to its crucial location, particularly as polar ice diminishes, Greenland hosts the northernmost military base of the United States. NATO has reiterated its focus on the Arctic, with European members like France, Germany, and the U.K. enhancing their regional presence.

NATO's concerted effort to secure the Arctic emphasizes cooperation and adherence to international principles, notably those outlined in the U.N. Charter, such as sovereignty and border integrity. The transatlantic partnership with the U.S. remains central in these efforts.

Affirming Greenland's self-governance, Greenland and Denmark retain exclusive rights to decide their future. Any outside intervention, particularly from the U.S., is seen as an overreach.

Denmark's leader, Mette Frederiksen, cautioned that any aggressive U.S. move to annex Greenland could dismantle NATO's foundational security pact, posing existential risks akin to post-WWII alliances.

Asked about potential military actions to claim Greenland, Miller dismissed the notion of military conflict, suggesting the discussion need not veer towards hostility.