Denmark’s foreign minister has summoned the senior US diplomat in Copenhagen following reports that American citizens have been carrying out covert operations in Greenland.
Allegations
Denmark’s public broadcaster, DR, reported that the alleged aim was to infiltrate Greenlandic society and encourage the territory to secede from Denmark and align with the United States. While it was unclear who the individuals were working for, Danish intelligence services confirmed that Greenland was being targeted by various “influence campaigns.”
Danish Response
Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stated that any attempt to interfere in the Kingdom of Denmark’s internal affairs was “unacceptable.” He summoned Mark Stroh, the US chargé d’affaires in Copenhagen, as the US currently has no ambassador in Denmark.
This marks the second time this year that Denmark has summoned the US diplomat over Greenland-related concerns. Earlier, reports indicated US intelligence agencies had been directed to focus on Greenland’s independence movement and mineral wealth.
US Interest in Greenland
Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in annexing Greenland, even suggesting the use of force, while Vice-President JD Vance has criticized Denmark for “underinvesting” in the territory.
Greenland, which enjoys broad self-government but relies on Copenhagen for defense and foreign policy, has the right to hold an independence referendum. Most political parties support independence in principle, though polls show little interest in joining the US.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen made clear: “We don’t belong to anyone else. We decide our own future.”
Broader Tensions
Denmark, a NATO and EU member, has long been one of Washington’s closest allies. However, the alleged covert campaign has shocked many Danes. Analysts described Denmark’s latest diplomatic move as a “yellow card” and unprecedented in relations with the US.
Adding to tensions, one of Denmark’s biggest companies, Ørsted, recently faced a US government stop-work order on its $10bn Revolution Wind project, leading to a sharp drop in its share price.
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