Denmark PM: Greenland Sovereignty Not for Sale

MUNICH – Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated firmly on Thursday that Greenland is “not for sale,” asserting the principle of respecting national sovereignty amid ongoing international interest in the autonomous territory. Frederiksen made the statement during a discussion at the Munich Security Conference concerning European security, the future of NATO, and geopolitical challenges.

Responding directly to a question about whether a price could be assigned to Greenland, Frederiksen responded with a clear “Absolutely not.” Her remarks underscore Denmark’s firm position against any transaction involving Greenland, despite previous expressions of interest from the United States.

Frederiksen emphasized the importance of respecting both the sovereignty of nations and the right of peoples to self-determination. She highlighted that the people of Greenland have explicitly expressed their desire to remain Greenlanders, rejecting the prospect of becoming part of the United States. “The people of Greenland have made their position clear – they do not want to be Americans, they want to continue to be Greenlanders,” she stated.

The Danish Prime Minister also acknowledged that the position of the U.S. President on the matter of Greenland has not changed, but reiterated her disagreement with that stance. This follows years of speculation sparked by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s public interest in potentially acquiring Greenland, a proposal that was swiftly rejected by Denmark.

In June 2025, the Danish Parliament approved a defense cooperation agreement with the United States with a significant majority – 94 votes in favor and 11 against. However, the agreement specifically excludes both the Faroe Islands and Greenland, clarifying that the terms do not apply to those territories. The agreement allows for increased U.S. Military presence in Denmark, including access to air bases in Karup, Skrydstrup, and Aalborg, and facilitates military activities within the country.

Despite the defense agreement, Frederiksen’s recent comments at the Munich Security Conference reinforce Denmark’s unwavering commitment to maintaining its sovereignty over Greenland and respecting the wishes of its inhabitants. The Danish government has consistently rejected any suggestion of transferring sovereignty, even as strategic interest in the region grows.