What can the EU and Nato do to stop Trump from trying to claim Greenland?
The Trump administration has said repeatedly that the US needs to gain control of Greenland, justifying its claim from “the standpoint of national security” and warning that it will “do something” about the territory “whether they like it or not”.
This puts the EU and Nato in a difficult spot. Greenland, a largely self-governing part of Denmark, is not a member of the bloc but Denmark is; while the Arctic island is covered by the defence alliance’s guarantees through Denmark’s membership.
European leaders have strongly defended sovereignty, territorial integrity and the right of Greenland and Denmark to decide on matters concerning them, but there is as yet no clear strategy on how to deter Trump – or respond if he does make a move. The Guardian
Greenland’s untapped mineral wealth has helped land the island at the top of President Donald Trump’s empire-building wish list.
Trump officials view Greenland’s underground riches as a way to loosen China’s stranglehold over the rare-earth metals that are critical for everything from fighter jets and lasers to electric vehicles and MRI scanners.
“We need Greenland … It’s so strategic right now,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One earlier this month.
“We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not. If we don’t do it the easy way, we’ll do it the hard way,” Trump said Friday at a press conference with oil executives. CNN
Learning outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Explain why Greenland matters in current international politics using accurate vocabulary (sovereignty, autonomy, alliance politics, deterrence, strategic geography).
- Summarize and compare how reliable news outlets frame Greenland (what they emphasize, what they omit, what language they use).
- Evaluate competing claims (security, economics, climate, self-determination) and support conclusions with evidence from multiple sources.
- Communicate a structured analysis in English (briefing, op-ed, debate statement, or policy memo format).
Step 1: Build the map of the situation (single-page “Greenland at a glance”)
Students produce a one-page fact sheet (bullet form), using only the source pack.
Required headings:
- Who governs Greenland and how? (What autonomy means in practice—especially defense.) Reuters
- Why is Greenland strategically important? (Security geography + alliance context.) AP
- European commissioner says US military takeover of Greenland would be the end of NATO Reuters
Easy essay task: Greenland — why the world is focused on it
Student instructions
Write a short essay that answers the question below. Use the news source pack and your notes. Keep your language clear and factual, and include at least two sources.
Essay question
Why is Greenland getting so much international attention right now, and what is the main challenge (crisis) Greenland faces because of it?
Requirements (kept simple)
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Length: 300–500 words
- Sources: Use at least 2 reliable sources from the class pack (name the outlet in your text, e.g., Reuters, AP, The Guardian, IPCC/WMO).
- Evidence: Include 3 concrete facts (for example: a stated position, an explained alliance concern, a resource development example, a climate consequence).
- Structure: 4 paragraphs (use the template below).
Watch the video below. The first news there is about Greenland
Then answer the questions below.
- According to the video, what is the main reason U.S. leaders give for wanting Greenland, and how do they connect that reason to national security?
- What role does Greenland’s location in the Arctic/North Atlantic play in the U.S. argument? Mention at least one strategic advantage the video describes (for example, monitoring, access, or positioning).
- The video references major global competitors. Which countries are mentioned, and what kinds of activities or risks are they linked to in the Arctic?
- What existing U.S. military presence in Greenland does the video point to (name the base or describe its function), and what is that presence used for (for example, missile warning, surveillance, defense)?
- How does the video describe Greenland’s political status (its relationship with Denmark and its level of self-government), and why does that status complicate the idea of the U.S. “acquiring” Greenland?
- What resources or economic interests are highlighted in the video (for example, minerals/rare earths, energy, shipping routes), and why are these resources considered strategically important?
- The video mentions that the U.S. has tried to acquire Greenland before. What past attempt(s) or historical examples are included, and what do they suggest about long-term interest in the island?
- How does the video describe the role of climate change in Greenland’s growing importance (for example, melting ice, new sea routes, access to resources), and why does that change increase international attention?
- What reactions or responses does the video describe from Denmark and/or Greenland’s leaders or people? Summarize the main point of their response in one or two sentences.
- After watching, which explanation in the video seems most convincing for U.S. interest—security, resources, or climate-driven change—and what specific detail from the video best supports your choice?
Write about the topic using this guide:
Paragraph 1: Introduction (4–6 sentences)
- Explain what the topic is (Greenland in the news).
- Write a clear thesis: “Greenland is receiving attention mainly because…, and this creates a crisis because…”
Paragraph 2: Geopolitics and security (6–8 sentences)
- Explain one security reason Greenland matters (Arctic location, alliances, defense debates).
- Include one fact and name the source (e.g., “Reuters reports that…” or “AP explains that…”).
- Explain why this creates pressure for Greenland (sovereignty, decision-making, outside influence).
Paragraph 3: Resources and climate (6–10 sentences)
- Explain one resource reason (critical minerals, external investment) or one climate reason (ice loss, sea-level rise).
- Include one fact and name the source (e.g., Reuters for mining; IPCC/WMO for climate).
- Connect it to Greenland’s challenge: trade-offs (jobs vs environment; global needs vs local control).
Paragraph 4: Conclusion (4–6 sentences)
- Make one thoughtful final point: what would “responsible” international interest look like? (Respect for Greenland’s choices, accurate reporting, long-term climate action, etc.)
Sentence starters (to make it easier)
- “A key reason Greenland is in the news is…”
- “According to [source], …”
- “This matters because…”
- “However, this creates a tension between…”
- “In conclusion, Greenland’s challenge is…”