US vice president Jd Vance will lead a meeting on Greenland in the White House on Wednesday, instead of Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The meeting involves representatives from the US, Denmark, and Greenland amid tensions over Donald Trump's interest in the island. Experts warn of a confrontation as Denmark and Greenland push back against US demands.
US Vice President Jd Vance has been appointed to lead the upcoming meeting on Greenland in the White House on Wednesday, a role originally assigned to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to Magnus Christiansson, a lecturer in war studies at the Swedish Defence University, Vance's involvement may be a way to increase pressure in the negotiations. “Vance is far from a friend to Europe”, he says in SVT's Aktuellt.
The meeting brings together representatives from the US, Denmark, and Greenland. From the US side, Marco Rubio will also attend, while Denmark is represented by Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Greenland by Foreign and Research Minister Vivian Motzfeldt. The background is Donald Trump's stated interest in acquiring Greenland, which has provoked strong reactions.
Ahead of the meeting, Danish and Greenlandic leaders have taken a firm stance. Greenland's prime minister has emphasized that the island “does not want to be ruled by the US” and that Greenland is not for sale. Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has expressed a desire for dialogue with the US rather than conflict.
Christiansson interprets the tough tone as Denmark's way of protecting its sovereignty. “They are putting their foot down and creating clarity towards the Americans”, he says. He warns that a US conquest by military means could mean the end of Nato as an alliance since 1949, creating an entirely new situation. In a bilateral conflict between the US and Denmark, it would be different.
The expert sees it as unlikely that either side will compromise. “It is a very difficult situation”, he states, and the countries' statements point towards a confrontation.
