Six European allies have voiced their support for Denmark in response to renewed assertions from the United States regarding the need to control Greenland. The joint statement, released Tuesday, included the leaders of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Denmark, emphasizing that "Greenland belongs to its people, and only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relations."

The diplomatic backing follows comments made Sunday by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated that the U.S. "needed" Greenland for national security reasons. Trump did not rule out the potential use of force to acquire the territory, a semi-autonomous region within the Kingdom of Denmark and a fellow member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded Monday, warning that a U.S. attack on Greenland would effectively dissolve the NATO alliance.

NATO, established in 1949, is a transatlantic military alliance based on the principle of collective defense, where an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. The alliance's core purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of its members through political and military means.

The renewed focus on Greenland's strategic importance emerged after the U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, where elite troops reportedly attempted to seize President Nicolás Maduro to face drug and weapons charges in New York. This action has raised concerns internationally about the potential for unilateral military actions by the U.S.

Greenland, the world's largest island, holds significant geopolitical value due to its strategic location between North America and Europe, as well as its abundant natural resources, including rare earth minerals. The island's melting ice sheets, a consequence of climate change, have also increased accessibility to these resources and potential shipping routes, further heightening its strategic importance.

The United States' interest in Greenland dates back to the 19th century, and in 1946, the U.S. offered Denmark $100 million to purchase the island. The U.S. currently maintains a military presence in Greenland at Thule Air Base, a critical early warning radar station.

The Danish government has consistently maintained that Greenland's future is a matter for Denmark and Greenland alone to decide. Greenland gained greater autonomy from Denmark in 2009, and while Denmark handles foreign affairs and defense, Greenland's government controls most other areas. The current status of discussions between the involved parties remains unclear, but the unified stance of key European allies underscores the international significance of Greenland's sovereignty and the importance of diplomatic solutions.