Bilateral Deal, Not Alliance-Wide
Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, said any security framework for Greenland negotiated by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte must first be presented to all allies. Speaking to Euronews at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Albares clarified that the agreement announced with US President Donald Trump is a bilateral matter, not a NATO decision.
“This is a bilateral arrangement, not NATO. It is the Secretary General of NATO talking to one of the allies,” Albares told Euronews. He added that allied foreign ministers currently have only the public announcement, and any details will be reviewed by the NATO Council.
Greenland’s Sovereignty Stands Firm
The deal announced by Trump would allow Washington to expand its military presence in Greenland, potentially adding bases in the Arctic after weeks of diplomatic tension. Albares emphasized that only Greenland and Denmark can decide the territory’s future.
“The people have said very clearly that they want to remain as part of Denmark,” he said. Danish authorities have consistently rejected any transfer of sovereignty, and polls show that most Greenlanders do not wish to come under US control. Earlier, Trump threatened tariffs on several European countries, including Denmark, France, and Germany, to pressure them toward a “complete sale” of the territory, citing national security concerns against China and Russia.
Europe Must Strengthen Its Defence
Albares criticized the US approach as unacceptable and warned that the EU will not negotiate under coercion. He called for Europe to bolster its own security and deterrence capabilities, advocating for a long-term goal of a European army.
“If we want to remain a land of peace where no one can impose war or use coercion—through force or trade—we need deterrence in our own hands,” Albares told Euronews. He added that Europe should build a coalition of willing states, integrate defence industries, and ultimately create a European army to protect its values and sovereignty (Euronews).
