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

The diplomatic backing comes after U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that the U.S. "needed" Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory belonging to Denmark, for national security reasons. Trump has not dismissed the possibility of using force to acquire the territory, prompting Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to warn on Monday that a U.S. attack would signify the end of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

NATO, a transatlantic military alliance, operates under the principle of collective defense, where an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. The alliance was formed in the aftermath of World War II to safeguard peace and security in the North Atlantic area.

The renewed interest in Greenland's strategic importance follows a period of heightened geopolitical tension, including the recent U.S. military intervention in Venezuela. During that operation, U.S. troops reportedly entered Venezuela to apprehend President Nicolás Maduro on drug and weapons charges, intending to bring him to New York for prosecution.

Greenland, while part of the Kingdom of Denmark, possesses a significant degree of self-governance. Its population of approximately 56,000 people primarily consists of Inuit, who have inhabited the island for millennia. The island's strategic location between the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, coupled with its abundant natural resources, has made it a point of interest for various global powers throughout history.

The current situation remains tense, with the Danish government seeking assurances from the U.S. regarding its intentions toward Greenland. The European allies' unified stance underscores the importance of respecting Greenland's autonomy and adhering to international law in resolving territorial disputes. The next steps will likely involve diplomatic discussions between the involved nations to de-escalate the situation and reaffirm the principles of mutual respect and cooperation within the NATO alliance.