This Wednesday, the Conference of Presidents adopted the following statement in support of multilateralism and the rules-based international order and supporting Greenland and Denmark.
The European Parliament stands firmly in support of multilateralism and the rules-based international order. Any attempt to undermine the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Denmark and Greenland, violates international law and the United Nations Charter.
The security of the Arctic is a strategic priority for the European Union, and we are firmly committed to safeguarding it. The EU’s Arctic Strategy goes beyond mere security concerns and our commitment to step up the sustainable development and cooperation with the citizens of the region is steadfast.
The Kingdom of Denmark, including Greenland, is a NATO member and is fully covered by the Alliance’s collective security guarantees. The European Parliament will continue to reinforce European defence capabilities and ensure that EU Member States uphold their NATO commitments, including through sustained investment in defence and a strong presence in the Arctic region.
Arctic security is ensured within the NATO framework, and Denmark maintains agreements with key partners, including the United States, to protect the region.
Decisions concerning Denmark and Greenland belong to Denmark and Greenland alone, in accordance with the relevant constitutional arrangements and agreements between Denmark and Greenland. Recalls that in 1916, the United States – through an agreement with Denmark – declared that Denmark had full sovereignty over Greenland. With this agreement, the United States thus recognised that all of Greenland rightfully constituted Danish territory. External attempts to alter the status quo are unacceptable.
The European Parliament unequivocally condemns the statements made by the Trump administration regarding Greenland, which constitute a blatant challenge to international law, to the principles of the United Nations Charter and to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a NATO ally. Such statements are unacceptable and have no place in relations between democratic partners.
The European Parliament calls the European Commission and the European Council to define concrete and tangible support to Greenland and Denmark, upholding EU principles and law, international law and the NATO Charter.
More information: European Parliament
Leave a Reply