Alpha News

Greenland Issue 'Tests Limits' of Transatlantic Relations

Published January 21, 2026, 13:41

Donald Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland is testing the limits of transatlantic relations, according to Associate Professor of International Relations Michalis Kontos. Trump's stance puts European leaders in a difficult position, as they must balance cooperation with the US and the defense of Denmark's territorial integrity. Mr. Kontos estimates that some kind of agreement is likely, which could include a revision of the 1951 defense agreement, investment, and limiting Russian and Chinese influence. However, he warns that Trump's coercive diplomacy will cast a “heavy shadow” over the transatlantic alliance, while also noting that the sense of threat could push the EU towards strategic autonomy.