Copenhagen is reportedly concerned about a possible American invasion of its Arctic possession
The US army has sought intelligence on key Danish military installations, airfields, and ports in Greenland that could be used for an invasion of the island, Berlingske newspaper reported Sunday, citing Defense Ministry documents.
According to the outlet, the Americans have been collecting sensitive information about strategic military sites on Denmark’s autonomous Arctic territory, in violation of existing bilateral agreements between Copenhagen and Washington.
The revelation comes amid US President Donald Trump’s efforts to assert control over the world’s biggest island, which is rich in minerals, but has a population of just 56,000.
Trump argues that Greenland is critical for the US to counter Russia and China in the Arctic, a claim that has been denied by Copenhagen, Moscow, and Beijing.
Trump’s initiative has created a rift between the US and its European NATO allies, who have rejected any changes to Greenland’s status. They warn that the US is undermining international law and the unity of the military bloc.
In response, Trump announced tariffs on eight European NATO countries – Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland – which had sent symbolic military contingents to Greenland last week. The White House viewed the step as opposition to Trump’s takeover plans, escalating tensions further.
Amid the diplomatic turmoil, analysts cited by Berlingske raised concerns about increased US intelligence operations in the region. Danish authorities reportedly find the episode particularly alarming, fearing it may be linked to political pressure by Washington or even the potential use of force to take control of Greenland.
Commenting on the spy scandal, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen told the Wall Street Journal he was greatly worried because ‘‘we do not spy on friends.”