Denmark and the United States: Constructive Meeting Eases Tensions

29th January 2026

2 minutes read

Denmark and the United States: Constructive Meeting Eases Tensions

A significant shift in the tone of discourse and expectations regarding the future of Greenland has emerged following positive signals from the U.S. presidency and a meeting described as “constructive.”

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen stated on Thursday that he felt “more optimistic” after the launch of technical talks with the United States concerning Greenland.

He explained at a European Union meeting in Brussels: “Yesterday (Wednesday) we held our first high-level meeting regarding the Greenland issue in Washington.”

He added: “The discussions went very well in an extremely constructive atmosphere, and further meetings are planned. This does not mean that everything is resolved, but it is a positive development,” according to reports from France-Presse.

These trilateral talks come after U.S. President Donald Trump last week backed down from his threats to annex Greenland, an autonomous territory located within the Arctic Circle and part of Denmark, a member of the European Union and NATO.

Rasmussen said: “A major turning point has occurred. Things were escalating, but we are now back on the right track. I am more optimistic today than I was a week ago.”

Trump’s threats concerning Greenland had plunged NATO into its deepest crisis in years.

The U.S. president ultimately abandoned his desire to control Greenland after stating that he had reached a “framework agreement” with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to ensure greater American influence over the Arctic island.

However, it appears that few concrete details were agreed upon, as the authorities in Denmark and Greenland refuse to discuss ceding any sovereignty.

Rasmussen stated: “I have repeatedly affirmed that we naturally share the United States’ security concerns regarding the Arctic, and this is an issue we wish to address through close cooperation.”

NATO is expected to increase its activities in the Arctic as part of the settlement with Washington, while Denmark and Greenland may renegotiate with the United States the 1951 treaty and define the conditions for the deployment of American forces on the island.