US Confident Greenland Deal Still Possible
The US and Greenland are still considered to have a chance to find a mutually beneficial cooperation framework, even though initial negotiations have not yet produced a breakthrough. This assessment was conveyed by US Ambassador to Belgium, Bill White, who also emphasized that President Donald Trump continues to view NATO as a vital pillar of regional security.
In a radio interview, White said he was optimistic that a "productive" framework would be established between Trump and the Danish Prime Minister that would ultimately lead to a more secure Greenland—not only for Denmark and the Arctic island itself, but also for the benefit of NATO, Europe, and the US.
This statement came a day after a meeting between Danish and Greenlandic officials with high-ranking US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, ended without significant progress. Denmark stated that there were still "fundamental differences" that remained unresolved, indicating that negotiations still had a long way to go.
At the same time, tensions between the US and the European Union have also increased. In addition to trade factors that have already strained relations, the Greenland issue has now become a new point of friction after Trump's increasingly outspoken interest in expanding US control over the territory. The European Union has sought to contain the escalation, while reaffirming its full support for Denmark and Greenland's semi-autonomous status.
White emphasized that Greenland's strategic military value cannot be underestimated. However, he also implied that some US security concerns are too sensitive to be made public.
In a separate interview, White even suggested that friction with Trump could provide political "additional value" for Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen ahead of this year's elections. He suggested that such a dynamic could strengthen Frederiksen's position domestically—and the US, he argued, prefers a leadership that remains on a moderate path over a more left-wing option.
Finally, White emphasized Trump as a figure he considers very pro-NATO, arguing that pressure from Washington has encouraged alliance member states to increase defense spending.
White himself was a Trump appointee and officially served as US ambassador to Belgium last year.
Source: Newsmaker.id
