After U.S. President Donald Trump ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro with a large-scale airstrike and then revealed ambitions toward the Danish territory of Greenland, moves to keep him in check emerged in Europe.
According to Reuters on the 6th, seven countries — the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Denmark — expressed solidarity with Greenland and Denmark in a joint statement.
In the statement, they said, "Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland, and the only parties to decide matters concerning Denmark and Greenland are Denmark and Greenland."
They added, "The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has made clear that the Arctic is a priority for NATO, and European allies are strengthening their response," and "many allies are increasing their garrisons, activities, and investment in the Arctic." It was seen as a call for cooperation from the United States, a NATO member.
Nordic countries also issued a solidarity statement in the name of their foreign ministers that afternoon, saying, "We jointly emphasize that matters regarding Greenland must be decided solely and independently by Denmark and Greenland," voicing support.
Earlier, on the 4th, shortly after the military intervention in Venezuela, President Trump stirred controversy in an interview with The Atlantic magazine by saying, "Greenland is essential for security."
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, a NATO member, and is located between Europe and North America, enabling it to play a key role in the U.S. ballistic missile defense system. It is also rich in natural resources such as crude oil and rare earths.
Currently, Greenland is known to have about 57,000 residents.