Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen will engage in discussions regarding Greenland with US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during the Munich Security Conference. This comes as US President Donald Trump has expressed interest in acquiring the strategically located and mineral-rich Arctic island. Frederiksen's office confirmed her participation in the talks but did not disclose whether other government members would attend. The Danish foreign and defense ministers are also present at the conference, which runs until Sunday in Munich. Since his return to the White House, President Trump has emphasized the US's need to control Greenland for security reasons, despite a previous deal with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to ensure greater US influence. A US-Denmark-Greenland working group has been established to address Washington's security concerns in the Arctic, though specific details remain undisclosed. Meanwhile, Denmark is participating in a NATO mission in the Arctic, providing F-35 fighter jets. In Munich, Frederiksen called for Europe to enhance its defense capabilities as the US disengages. She highlighted the US's shifting stance, as indicated by Trump's speeches and strategies, which suggest a move away from Europe. The US secretary of state's attendance at the conference coincides with a breakdown in trust between the US and European capitals over the Greenland issue. Secretary Rubio aims to maintain pressure on Europe, though with a less confrontational tone than last year. In 2025, US Vice President JD Vance criticized European policies on immigration, populist parties, and free speech, stating that freedom of expression was 'in retreat' across the continent. This year, Vice President Vance is staying home, and Mr. Rubio will lead the US delegation to the annual security and defense talks. Despite a more diplomatic approach, the US intends to push its European allies, still recovering from the political crisis over Trump's Greenland demands. Mr. Rubio emphasized the need for a re-examination of the US's role in a changing geopolitical landscape. President Trump's criticism of Europe's over-regulation and lack of self-confidence, as outlined in his National Security Strategy, has been a recurring theme. Mr. Rubio is expected to continue urging Europe to share the burden, particularly in matters of common defense. However, experts like Philip Gordon view Trump's stance as a threat to a unified Europe rather than a partner. A poll by Politico revealed that over 50% of German respondents do not perceive the US as a 'reliable' ally. The Munich meetings will precede Trump's 'Board of Peace' session, which aims to address post-war Gaza but may have broader implications. Critics have labeled it as a potential rival to the United Nations.
