Denmark and Greenland say ‘fundamental disagreement’ remains after U.S. talks

Denmark and Greenland said they remain fundamentally at odds with the United States over Greenland’s future, but agreed to establish a high-level working group to explore whether U.S. security concerns can be addressed without crossing what Denmark called its “red lines”, following high-stake talks in Washington.

Speaking outside the Danish embassy in Washington D.C., alongside Greenland’s foreign minister Vivian Motzfeldt, after Wednesday’s meeting with senior U.S. officials, which included Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Danish foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said the discussions were frank and constructive, but left no doubt that core disagreements remain.

“For us, ideas that would not respect the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark and the right of self-determination of the Greenlandic people are totally unacceptable,” said Løkke Rasmussen. “That is very, very clear. And therefore, we still have a fundamental disagreement.”

He said any outcome in which the United States acquires Greenland is “absolutely not necessary.”

Løkke Rasmussen said Denmark and Greenland believe Greenland’s long-term security can be ensured within the existing framework, including the 1951 Greenland defence agreement and NATO membership. Any proposals that failed to respect the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark or the Greenlandic people’s right to self-determination were “totally unacceptable,” he said.

Despite those red lines, the parties agreed to continue dialogue. Denmark, Greenland and the United States will form a high-level working group to examine whether American security concerns can be accommodated without undermining those principles. The group is expected to meet for the first time within weeks, Løkke Rasmussen said.

“The group should focus on how to address the American security concerns, while at the same time respecting the red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark,” he said.

Løkke Rasmussen stressed that Denmark has already stepped up its military commitments in the Arctic, pointing to investments in ships, drones and fighter jets, and noted that the United States already has wide military access to Greenland under existing agreements.

“The big difference is whether that must lead to a situation where the U.S. acquires Greenland,” he said. “That is absolutely not necessary.”

Greenland’s foreign minister Motzfeldt said Greenland wants closer cooperation with the United States as an ally, but drew a clear line against ownership or control.

“It is very important from our side to strengthen our cooperation with the United States,” Motzfeldt said. “But that doesn’t mean that we want to be owned by the United States.”

Reporters pressed both ministers on the emotional weight of leaving the meeting without the U.S. position being taken off the table. Motzfeldt acknowledged the strain, saying it had never been more important to initiate dialogue and to restore what she described as a more normal relationship between allies.

Løkke Rasmussen was more explicit about the toll it has taken on the Kingdom’s citizens.

“It is of course very emotional for all of us and particularly for people living in Greenland, but also for people in Denmark,” he said.

He pointed to Denmark’s roughly 250-year relationship and alliance with the United States, including shared sacrifices in past conflicts and said the uncertainty created by repeated public threats has made it harder to think creatively about solutions.

“We want to work closely with the United States,” he said. “But it must be respectful cooperation.”

While the meeting did not change the U.S. position, Løkke Rasmussen said it was the first time in more than a year that the issue had been discussed at the highest political level. Whether the new working group can bridge the gap remains uncertain, he said, but Denmark and Greenland were prepared to try — provided their red lines are respected.