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Latvian Defence Minister Andris Sprūds on Friday sought to play down concerns about potential tensions within NATO following threats by the US it could use military force to annex Greenland, saying he’s confident “it’s not the end at all” of the alliance.
Sprūds called on Euronews’ morning show Europe Today to “not over-dramatise” the situation, noting that NATO – of which the US and Denmark are both members – has long managed internal disagreements without undermining collective defence.
“We are in the process of discussing, especially the dialogue between the United States and Denmark. We see also in NATO sometimes there are some dialogues or discussions among countries,” Sprūds said, citing previous tensions between Greece and Turkey.
“Everybody understands the importance of collective defence. Everybody understands importance of NATO as a strong alliance, and this is mutually beneficial for both – for the United States and for Europe,” he added.
But talks between the US, Denmark and Greenland earlier this week ended with the Danish foreign minister telling reporters that President Donald Trump remains intent on “conquering” the semi-autonomous Danish territory.
President argues US control over the island is necessary citing national security concerns around the broader Arctic. The administration said on Thursday that its goal to gain ownership remains unchanged.
Sprūds also told Euronews that Latvia stands ready to join other European countries including France, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden and the UK in sending troops to Greenland as part of the Arctic Endurance exercise if requested.
“Collective security in the High North is very important,” he said. “But at the same time, it is important of course to once more underline that Greenland is an integral part of Danish Kingdom.”
The European Commission meanwhile confirmed to Euronews on Thursday that Denmark would be able to invoke the EU’s mutual assistance clause in the event of an armed attack against Greenland, even though the semi-autonomous island is not part of the bloc.
Separately, Sprūds wouldn’t be drawn to comment on whether the EU should appoint an envoy for Ukraine peace talks to ensure the bloc’s concerns and interests are respected but told Euronews that “Europe stepping up is a crucial and primary task and goal for Europeans”.
“Europe is demonstrating its willingness and strengths to be part of the peace process. At the same time, let’s realise what we are dealing with. So we always have to speak, negotiate, act from positions of strength, he said.
“Yes, we can engage in some diplomatic activities, but there must be some limits how far we can go. And of course, always strength is absolutely the basis we start from negotiations with Russia.”
