Bilateral Deal, Not NATO-Wide
Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, said a Greenland security framework negotiated by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte must be reviewed by all allies before moving forward. Speaking to Euronews at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Albares stressed that the agreement announced by US President Donald Trump is a bilateral arrangement, not a NATO decision.
“This is a bilateral arrangement, not NATO. It is the Secretary General of NATO talking to one of the allies,” Albares told Euronews. He added that allied foreign ministers currently have no details beyond the public announcement, and the matter will be discussed in NATO’s council (Euronews).
Greenland’s Future Lies With Its People
Trump’s announcement outlined a plan to increase the US military presence in Greenland, including more bases in the Arctic after weeks of diplomatic tensions. Albares insisted that only Greenland and Denmark can decide the territory’s future.
“The people have said very clearly that they want to remain part of Denmark,” he told Euronews. Danish authorities have repeatedly rejected any transfer of sovereignty, and polls show most Greenlanders do not want US control. Earlier, Trump had threatened tariffs on eight European nations to push for a “complete and total sale” of Greenland, citing strategic concerns over China and Russia (Euronews).
Europe Must Strengthen Defence and Unity
Albares criticized the US approach as unacceptable and highlighted the need for Europe to assert its own security. He called for stronger deterrence and the long-term goal of a European army.
“If we want to continue being a land of peace where no one can bring war or use coercion—through force or trade—we need deterrence in our hands,” Albares said. He added that Europe should build a coalition of willing states, integrate defence industries, and ultimately establish a European army to safeguard peace and sovereignty (Euronews).
