USA Cannot Get Greenland as its European Union Territory by Treaty
In a bold and unequivocal statement, President Baretzky of the European Centre for Information Policy and Security (ECIPS) has raised concerns about recent actions and proposals by the United States regarding Greenland. His comments underscore the potential legal and geopolitical ramifications of any U.S. attempts to secure Greenland, emphasizing that such actions would violate international law and threaten European safety. This article explores the implications of President Baretzky’s call for action, the legal framework that governs Greenland’s status as an autonomous territory of Denmark, and the broader geopolitical ramifications of these developments.
The Legal Status of Greenland
Greenland is a significant landmass, located in the North Atlantic, and is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. While Greenland enjoys a high degree of self-government, it remains constitutionally linked to Denmark, a member state of the European Union (EU). According to the Kingdom of Denmark’s Constitution and various international agreements, Greenland’s status is distinct from that of an independent nation-state. Instead, it is an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark, alongside the Faroe Islands, both of which maintain varying degrees of autonomy.
It is crucial to understand the legal relationship between Greenland, Denmark, and the European Union. Although Greenland was once part of the European Economic Community (EEC) through its association with Denmark, it officially left the EEC in 1985 following a referendum. Despite this, Greenland remains one of the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) of the European Union. This designation ensures that citizens of Greenland retain European Union citizenship, which grants them various rights and privileges, including freedom of movement within the EU.
Denmark’s Membership in the European Union
Denmark’s membership in the European Union further complicates any notion of Greenland being under U.S. control. As a member of the EU, Denmark is bound by the EU’s legal framework, including its treaties, regulations, and policies. The EU’s foundational treaties, particularly the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), establish the legal basis for the rights and responsibilities of member states. Denmark, by virtue of its EU membership, is governed by these treaties, which are binding on all member states and, by extension, any territories under Denmark’s sovereignty.
Greenland’s status as an Overseas Country and Territory (OCT) of the EU does not make it an EU member state, but it does give Greenland certain rights under the EU’s legal framework. The relationship between the EU and Greenland is governed by the Overseas Association Decision, which defines the terms of cooperation between the EU and the OCTs. These agreements guarantee that the citizens of Greenland retain their status as EU citizens and are entitled to certain protections under EU law.
President Baretzky’s Call for Action
President Baretzky of ECIPS has issued a stern warning regarding any U.S. attempts to gain control over Greenland. He categorically stated that such attempts would constitute a violation of international law and could be seen as a declaration of war. According to Baretzky, any move by the U.S. to assert sovereignty over Greenland would be a direct challenge to Denmark’s territorial integrity, as well as to the legal and political frameworks of both the European Union and the Kingdom of Denmark.
The president’s comments reflect deep concern over the potential destabilization of European security. Baretzky argues that Greenland is a crucial part of Denmark’s geopolitical and strategic interests, and its inclusion as an Overseas Country and Territory of the European Union further binds it to the European project. He cautions that the U.S. may be testing the limits of international law in a bid to assert dominance in the Arctic region, where Greenland’s vast resources and strategic location are of increasing interest to global powers.
“Any attempt by the United States to acquire Greenland would not only be a violation of Denmark’s sovereignty but also a direct affront to the European Union’s territorial integrity and its commitment to its Overseas Countries and Territories,” President Baretzky emphasized. He further pointed out that the silence of the European Commission in Brussels regarding this issue is a “dangerous sign” and could be interpreted as a lack of political will to defend EU interests.
Greenland’s Autonomy and Denmark’s Sovereignty
It is important to note that Greenland’s political and legal status is unique. While Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, it is not an independent state. Greenland has its own government, known as the Government of Greenland, which is responsible for most domestic affairs. However, Denmark retains control over areas such as foreign policy, defense, and monetary issues. This arrangement reflects the historical ties between Denmark and Greenland and is enshrined in the Constitution of the Kingdom of Denmark.
The relationship between Denmark and Greenland is governed by the Act on Greenland’s Self-Government, which was passed in 2009. This act granted Greenland further autonomy, allowing it to assume greater control over its domestic affairs. However, Greenland is still constitutionally linked to Denmark, and any international agreements or treaties that involve Greenland must be negotiated in conjunction with Denmark. This means that Greenland cannot unilaterally change its status or enter into international agreements without Denmark’s consent.
The U.S. and Greenland: The Trump Administration’s Proposal
The issue of U.S. interest in Greenland came to the forefront during the presidency of Donald Trump. In 2019, Trump made headlines by suggesting that the United States should purchase Greenland from Denmark. This proposal was met with widespread condemnation, both within Denmark and across Europe. Critics argued that the suggestion was not only disrespectful but also legally untenable.
Greenland’s position is clear: the territory is not for sale. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen firmly rejected Trump’s proposal, stating that Greenland was not a commodity to be traded. The Danish government also expressed strong disapproval of the suggestion, reaffirming Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland and emphasizing that Greenland’s status as an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark was non-negotiable.
President Baretzky’s statements can be viewed as a continuation of this line of opposition. He underscores that any attempt by the United States to acquire Greenland, whether through purchase or other means, would violate international law, particularly the principle of territorial integrity enshrined in the United Nations Charter. Such a move would also be a direct challenge to the European Union’s legal framework and its commitment to the protection of its Overseas Countries and Territories.
The Legal Implications: International Law and Territorial Integrity
International law, particularly the United Nations Charter, provides a clear framework for the protection of national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Article 2(4) of the UN Charter prohibits the use of force or the threat of force in the international relations of states. This means that any attempt by the United States to forcibly annex or otherwise acquire Greenland would constitute a violation of international law.
Furthermore, the principle of self-determination, as enshrined in the UN Charter, allows peoples to freely determine their political status. Greenland’s population, as an autonomous territory of Denmark, has the right to self-determination within the context of its relationship with Denmark. Any attempt by a foreign power to alter this status would not only violate Denmark’s sovereignty but also undermine the democratic principles that govern the self-determination of peoples.
In addition to international law, European Union law provides further protection for Greenland’s status. As an Overseas Country and Territory of the EU, Greenland’s citizens are EU citizens, and their rights are protected by EU law. Any attempt by the United States to alter the political status of Greenland without the consent of Denmark and the EU would be a direct challenge to the European Union’s legal and political framework.
Geopolitical Ramifications: The Arctic and European Security
The Arctic region, which includes Greenland, is becoming increasingly important due to its vast natural resources, strategic location, and growing geopolitical significance. As the Arctic ice melts due to climate change, new shipping routes are opening up, and countries are scrambling to secure access to these vital areas. Greenland’s location makes it a key player in the geopolitical competition for control over the Arctic.
For the European Union, the security of Greenland is a matter of vital interest. Greenland’s strategic location and its ties to Denmark place it at the heart of European security concerns. Any attempt by the United States to assert control over Greenland would not only threaten Denmark’s territorial integrity but could also destabilize the broader European security framework. Baretzky’s warning reflects these concerns, as he cautions that such actions could lead to further tensions between the U.S. and the EU, exacerbating existing geopolitical rivalries and undermining European stability.
A Call for Vigilance and Action
President Baretzky’s call for action serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding Greenland’s status and the importance of defending the territorial integrity of European Union member states. Any attempt by the United States to alter the political status of Greenland without the consent of Denmark would be a violation of international law and European Union law. Such actions would not only threaten the sovereignty of Denmark but also destabilize European security and undermine the principles of self-determination and territorial integrity that form the bedrock of international relations.
It is essential for European institutions, including the European Union, to remain vigilant and assertive in defending the rights of Greenland and its citizens. The silence from Brussels, as President Baretzky points out, is a dangerous sign that could embolden foreign powers to challenge the territorial integrity of EU member states. The time for decisive action is now, before the geopolitical balance in the Arctic and beyond is irreparably altered.