In Greenland and Denmark, mass protests took place against the statements of U.S. President Donald Trump about the possible acquisition of Greenland. According to the organizers, thousands of people participated in the demonstrations, concerned about the threat to the sovereignty of the autonomous territory and the deterioration of relations between the U.S. and Europe.
The protests were organized by Greenlandic and Danish non-governmental organizations and took place in several cities in Denmark, including Copenhagen, as well as in the capital of Greenland — Nuuk. The protesters opposed any attempts to pressure the Danish Kingdom and emphasized the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination.
The head of the Inuit organization, which unites Greenlandic associations, Camilla Sizing, stated that the demands of the protesters are crystal clear:
«We insist on respect for the Danish Kingdom and for Greenland's right to determine its own fate».
The protests were prompted by resonant statements from Donald Trump, who had previously not ruled out the possibility of using force or economic pressure to establish control over Greenland. According to the American president, the island is crucial for the national security of the US, especially in the context of the Arctic and global competition among world powers.
In addition, Trump announced the imposition of trade tariffs against European countries opposing his plans. According to his statement, starting February 1, goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland will be subject to a 10 percent tariff upon import into the US.
The American president also threatened that tariffs could be raised to 25% starting June 1 and would remain until, in his words, an agreement is reached 'for the complete and absolute acquisition of Greenland by the United States'. These statements have provoked a strong reaction both in Europe and among international experts.
During the protests in Copenhagen, participants held placards with slogans:
«Hands off Greenland»,
«Yankees, go home!»,
«Greenland is not for sale».
Danish director Charlotte Saxe Bostrup, who attended the protest, emphasized that what is happening provokes deep outrage in society:
«Even if we live in Denmark, we feel complete solidarity with Greenland. We are truly shocked that such ideas could even arise from the President of the United States».
Experts note that the conflict over Greenland could lead to heightened tensions between the US and the European Union, increased economic pressure, and a rise in geopolitical tensions in the Arctic region.