Denmark is facing what Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has described as a decisive moment over the future of Greenland, following renewed threats by US President Donald Trump to take control of the Arctic territory by force.

Speaking ahead of high-level meetings in Washington on global competition for critical raw materials, Frederiksen said the situation now represents an open conflict with implications far beyond Greenland itself.

“This is a decisive moment,” she told Danish political leaders, stressing that the stakes extend to international law, sovereignty, and global stability.

In a social media statement, Frederiksen said Denmark was prepared to defend its values “wherever necessary — including the Arctic,” reaffirming the country’s commitment to international law and the right of peoples to self-determination.

Trump recently declared that the United States would “do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not,” a remark that sparked strong reactions across Europe.

Sweden and Germany swiftly expressed solidarity with Denmark. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson condemned the rhetoric, warning that any forced takeover of Greenland would violate international law and set a dangerous global precedent.

“Sweden, the Nordic countries, the Baltic states and several major European nations stand with Denmark,” Kristersson said at a defence conference attended by senior NATO officials.

Germany also reiterated its support, noting that Arctic security has become a core NATO concern as geopolitical competition in the region intensifies.

Reports from the UK suggest that European military leaders are quietly discussing contingency plans for a possible NATO presence in Greenland, including the deployment of troops, naval vessels and aircraft, amid rising tensions involving Russia and China.

UK officials described the discussions as routine deterrence planning, while Belgium’s defence minister openly called for a NATO-led Arctic mission, arguing that unity and collective defence are essential in the face of growing threats.

Trump has long argued that Greenland’s strategic location and mineral wealth make it vital to US national security. However, opinion polls show that Greenland’s population overwhelmingly opposes any US takeover.

Greenland, a former Danish colony, has steadily expanded its autonomy and continues to debate eventual independence — but not under American control.