To continue dialogue, Denmark and the U.S. agreed to establish a high-level working group focused on Arctic security. Rasmussen emphasized that the group would address American security concerns while respecting the sovereignty of Greenland and Denmark. The first meeting of the group is expected within weeks.
Reports indicate that the U.S. administration is also exploring financial incentives to encourage Greenlandic support for greater U.S. involvement. Rasmussen stressed that any arrangements must respect the self-determination of Greenland’s people and the integrity of the Danish kingdom.
European leaders and U.S. lawmakers have weighed in, reinforcing that Greenland’s future is a matter for Denmark and Greenland. A delegation of U.S. senators, including Chris Coons (D-DE) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), met with Danish and Greenlandic officials to reaffirm the long-standing alliance and underline that Greenland should be considered a partner, not a possession. Murkowski noted that public opinion in the U.S. strongly opposes acquiring Greenland without consent.
Legislators are also taking action. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Lisa Murkowski introduced bipartisan legislation prohibiting the use of U.S. funds to take control of Greenland or any NATO ally’s sovereign territory without explicit authorization.
Greenlandic officials have voiced concern over U.S. statements about ownership of the territory. Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen emphasized that Greenland chooses Denmark and NATO in matters of defense and international alignment. Sara Olsvig, chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council, noted that repeated calls for U.S. ownership highlight how Greenland and Indigenous peoples are perceived by larger powers, a situation she described as troubling.
The dispute illustrates ongoing geopolitical tension in the Arctic, as climate change and new shipping routes increase the region’s strategic importance. While dialogue continues, both Denmark and Greenland are clear that sovereignty and self-determination remain non-negotiable.