Demonstrations Rise in Denmark Following US VP Vance's Greenland Visit
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Synopsis
On March 30, demonstrators in Denmark's capital Copenhagen and Aarhus expressed significant discontent towards recent US government actions and remarks about Greenland. They voiced solidarity with the Greenlandic people and criticized US Vice President J.D. Vance's claims regarding Denmark's security investments in the Arctic.
Key Takeaways
- Protests erupted in Denmark against US VP Vance's remarks.
- Denmark aims to strengthen its Arctic security investments.
- Mogens Lykketoft called for support against US aggression.
- Vance criticized Denmark for underinvestment in Greenland's security.
- Denmark maintains control over Greenland's foreign affairs and defense.
Nuuk (Greenland), March 30 (NationPress) Hundreds of protestors in Denmark's capital Copenhagen and the city of Aarhus expressed strong dissent against recent comments and actions from the US administration concerning Greenland.
The protest occurred on Saturday, a day after US Vice President J.D. Vance and an American delegation toured Pituffik Space Base in northwest Greenland, formerly known as Thule Base. During this visit, Vance criticized Denmark for allegedly not doing enough for the security of the Arctic region or for the welfare of the Greenlandic population.
Notable Danish politician Mogens Lykketoft, a former Foreign Minister and ex-President of the United Nations General Assembly, spoke to the gathering in Copenhagen, urging for unity, according to Xinhua news agency.
"We must advocate our case at the UN, where it is certain that a vast majority of nations will join in denouncing American aggression towards Greenland, and we must seek direct support from the 70 percent of Americans who oppose the conquest of Greenland," he stated.
"We must never relent," he added.
His statements received enthusiastic applause from the crowd, which responded in both Greenlandic and Danish with chants declaring that "Greenland is not for sale".
Denmark's Foreign Minister criticized the Trump administration for its "tone" in addressing Denmark and Greenland, asserting that his nation is enhancing its investment in Arctic security and remains open to further collaboration with the US.
Lars Lokke Rasmussen made these comments in a video shared on social media following US Vice President J.D. Vance's visit to Greenland.
"Numerous accusations and claims have been made. Naturally, we are receptive to critique," Rasmussen stated.
"But I want to be completely candid: we do not appreciate the tone in which this has been conveyed. This is not the manner in which one addresses close allies. I still view Denmark and the US as close allies."
In his video, Lokke Rasmussen reminded viewers of the significant 1951 defense agreement between Denmark and the US.
Since 1945, the American military presence in Greenland has significantly dwindled from thousands of troops across 17 bases and installations on the island to the remote Pituffik Space Base in the northwest, now housing around 200 soldiers.
The 1951 agreement "provides ample opportunity for the US to maintain a much stronger military presence in Greenland," the Foreign Minister noted.
"If that is what you desire, then let us have a discussion about it."
Lokke Rasmussen added that Denmark has stepped up its investments in Arctic defense.
In January, Denmark announced a financial commitment of 14.6 billion Danish kroner (€1.9 billion) for Arctic security, which includes three new naval vessels, long-range drones, and satellites.
In Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city, demonstrators also assembled in the city center to protest US actions and to show support for Greenland's autonomy.
Greenland, which was once a Danish colony, became an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953. It received home rule in 1979, enhancing its autonomy, although Denmark retains control over foreign affairs and defense.
During his visit to the Pituffik Space Base, Vance informed US troops that Denmark has "underinvested" in Greenland's security and urged Copenhagen to alter its approach as President Donald Trump continues to threaten to take over the semi-autonomous territory.
Vance's trip to Greenland, accompanied by his wife and other senior US officials, was significantly scaled back following backlash from Greenlanders and Danes who felt excluded from the original plans.
"Our message to Denmark is very straightforward: You have not adequately served the people of Greenland," Vance stated on Friday.
"You have underinvested in the welfare of the Greenlandic people and in the security framework of this remarkable, beautiful land filled with incredible individuals. That situation needs to change."
Vance indicated that the US has "no choice" but to establish a significant presence to ensure the security of the island while advocating for a push towards Greenland's independence from Denmark.
"I believe that they ultimately will partner with the US," Vance expressed.
"We could enhance their security significantly. We could provide much more protection. And I believe they would fare considerably better economically as well."
However, the reaction from Greenland's Parliament members and residents has made that scenario unlikely, as frustration has surged over the Trump administration's continuous threats to annex the expansive Arctic island.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen countered Vance's assertion that Denmark isn't doing enough for defense in the Arctic, labeling her country as "a good and strong ally."
In a further demonstration of their discontent towards the Trump administration, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the US Embassy in Copenhagen on Saturday, with some brandishing signs reading, "Back off, USA."
