US Vice-President JD Vance has called Greenland “critical” for defending the US and the world against potential missile attacks from Russia or China, and criticized Europe and Denmark for failing to adequately secure the territory.

Speaking to Fox News, Vance said European allies had under-invested in Greenland’s defenses and had not engaged with former President Donald Trump’s arguments on the island. He emphasized Greenland’s strategic role in missile defense infrastructure and early warning systems.

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Strategic and Military Importance

• Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, is sparsely populated but strategically located between North America and the Arctic.
• The US maintains more than 100 military personnel at the Pituffik base, operational since World War II. Under agreements with Denmark, the US can bring additional troops as needed.
• Vance stated that Greenland is a key anchor for global missile defense, especially in the event of nuclear threats, and argued that Denmark and European allies had not done enough to maintain this security.

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Natural Resources

Interest in Greenland has increased due to its rare earth minerals, uranium, iron, oil, and gas reserves, which are becoming more accessible as ice melts due to climate change.

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Diplomatic Reactions

The comments come after Trump’s military intervention in Venezuela, and previous offers to buy Greenland in 2019. Both Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly stated that the territory is not for sale.

European leaders, including France, the UK, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Denmark, issued a statement stressing:

• Greenland belongs to its people.
• Only Denmark and Greenland can decide on their relations.
• Arctic security must be achieved collectively through NATO.
• Sovereignty, territorial integrity, and border inviolability must be respected.

Greenlandic politicians and residents expressed concern and frustration:

• Aaja Chemnitz, Greenlandic MP, called the US comments “a clear threat” and “disrespectful,” warning of potential pressure from the US.
• Aleqatsiaq Peary, an Inuit hunter, said Greenland is already a colony under Denmark and voiced indifference, noting that climate change and economic hardship are bigger immediate concerns than US ambitions.

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Key Takeaways

• Greenland is strategically vital for missile defense and Arctic monitoring.
• US officials are reportedly discussing offers to buy the island, raising NATO and sovereignty concerns.
• Europe and Denmark face pressure to improve defenses while maintaining sovereignty and adhering to international law.