Brussels is preparing several options in response to Trump - from increased EU funding for Greenland to a compromise with the U.S. along NATO lines, Politico reports.
Officials and diplomats of the European Union are discussing the possibility of preventing attempts by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump to take control of Greenland - an autonomous territory of Denmark, Politico reported on Thursday, January 8, after speaking with EU experts and NATO insiders. According to the publication, Brussels is developing several scenarios.
Increased funding from Brussels
In particular, according to a September draft by the European Commission, the EU plans to more than double its spending on Greenland as part of long-term budget plans. Negotiations are underway to allocate 530 million euros for this purpose over a seven-year period starting in 2028. This funding will complement the resources that Denmark is already directing to Greenland under an agreement with the autonomous territory.
Greenland will also be able to apply for additional EU funding of 44 million euros for remote areas connected to European countries. At this stage, Danish funds are directed towards social security, healthcare, education, and environmental development. Under the new plans, the focus will be expanded, with some investments directed towards mineral resource extraction.
EU trade measures against the U.S.
As part of another scenario, the European Union may introduce retaliatory measures against trade discrimination by the United States. In July 2025 - following agreements between Brussels and Washington - the mechanism was postponed but could be activated if Trump takes decisive steps regarding Greenland.
Compromise along NATO lines
Additionally, there may be discussions about reaching a compromise along NATO lines. According to two diplomats, the alliance may launch the "Arctic Sentry" program - similar to the "Eastern Sentry" and "Baltic Sentry". The presence of the North Atlantic alliance near Greenland will be expanded, and Trump's demands will be met "to the maximum extent" as part of a compromise strategy, Politico writes.
According to three NATO diplomats, the alliance may consider increasing defense spending in the Arctic, ramping up military exercises in the region, and deploying troops to ensure the security of Greenland.
European countries should also explore the possibility of deploying a European contingent in Greenland - if Denmark requests it - to deter U.S. invasion.
Time: A number of influential Republicans criticize Trump
Meanwhile, as reported by Time magazine, a rift has emerged among Republicans - following the U.S. operation in Venezuela, several prominent members of the Republican Party are publicly criticizing Trump for threats to seize Greenland.
"This is outrageous. Greenland is a NATO ally. Denmark is one of our best friends... so the way we treat them is truly humiliating and has no positive aspects," said Congressman Don Bacon from Nebraska to CNN.
The U.S. wants to take control of Greenland by the end of the year
Earlier, Politico, citing experts and sources in Washington, reported that the U.S. intends to establish control over Greenland by the end of 2026. In particular, the Trump administration may attempt to organize a "covert influence campaign" to significantly alter the political balance on the island and bribe local politicians.
The White House is already preparing a draft agreement on free association, which Donald Trump will propose to the authorities of Greenland, bypassing official Copenhagen. Under such an agreement, U.S. armed forces may gain complete freedom of action on the island in exchange for duty-free trade. The U.S. has already concluded such agreements with the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau - small states in the Pacific Ocean.
Denmark: The region wants to determine its own future
The Danish authorities deem pressure on Greenland unacceptable and emphasize that the Arctic region "wants to determine its own future" without interference from other countries.
In a recent statement, leaders of seven European countries expressed support for the island. "Greenland belongs to its people. Only Denmark and Greenland have the right to decide matters concerning Denmark and Greenland," the joint statement signed by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as well as Prime Ministers Giorgia Meloni of Italy, Donald Tusk of Poland, Pedro Sanchez of Spain, Keir Starmer of the UK, and Mette Frederiksen of Denmark reads.
