14.01.2026 07:21
Greenland's Minister of Industry and Energy, Naaja Nathanielsen, stated that there is talk at all levels on the island about the U.S. wanting to take over Greenland, saying, "We have no intention of becoming American. This is not something we aim for or strive to be. We are only working for cooperation. We do not see ourselves as Americans and we are happy to be part of the Kingdom of Denmark."
Naaja Nathanielsen, the Minister of Industry, Raw Materials, Mining, Energy, Law Enforcement, and Equality of Greenland, made statements to the press following the meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Greenland in the UK Parliament.
"WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE FUTURE" Noting that the issue of the US annexing or purchasing Greenland has worried the people of Greenland, Nathanielsen stated: "This issue is a major concern about the future. People say they are having trouble sleeping. This is the main topic of conversation at home. The public feels its impact. At the political level, all parties are very clear on this issue. We have no intention of becoming American. This is not something we aim for or strive to be. We are only working for cooperation. We do not see ourselves as Americans and we are happy to be part of the Kingdom of Denmark."
"WE FEEL BETRAYED" Nathanielsen explained that they feel betrayed as an ally in response to statements from the US, saying, "We are allies of the US. Holding a press conference about being annexed or purchased by the US is not something we would want to do. This is not something we deserve."
Naaja Nathanielsen "THEY ARE TRYING TO ACCESS MINERALS" Emphasizing that Greenland is open to US mining companies and investors, Nathanielsen stated, "The only thought the US has regarding Greenland is related to national security. We are ready to discuss this. They are also trying to access minerals. We are open to discussing that as well." Nathanielsen emphasized that they will not be a country that finds itself at war with the US, and they will work hard to find a peaceful solution.
"IF THERE IS AN OCCUPATION, THE RULE OF LAW WILL COLLAPSE" Nathanielsen also expressed that it is meaningless for two friends and allies to use weapons against each other, referring to statements made by US President Donald Trump regarding Russian and Chinese activities around Greenland. Nathanielsen noted that Russia and China have certain objectives in the Arctic, stating, "Russia is a country located in the Arctic. China has also had an interest in the region for a long time. We, as Greenland, support observation. If there is to be an agreement, there is no harm in their involvement. However, we do not see any direct interest in Greenland. We have halted trade with Russia under sanctions, and China has no investments in Greenland."
In response to a question about the possibility of the US occupying Greenland, Nathanielsen commented, "If this scenario occurs, everyone in this room will need to think about what the new world order will look like." Nathanielsen pointed out that an attack by one NATO country on another NATO country would be an attack on all allies, stating, "If there is an occupation, the rule of law, international law, and all existing agreements will collapse. This would be bad and shameful for all of us." Nathanielsen stated that NATO brings peace and tranquility not only to allies but to the whole world, and also expressed that Greenlanders do not seek independence from Denmark. Referring to the possibility of allied troops being stationed on the island against an occupation, Nathanielsen said, "We have no problem with making more room for NATO troops. In the past, there were more soldiers in Greenland than there are today. This is something we are accustomed to."