By Micah Jonah
January 9, 2026
US Vice President JD Vance has warned that Washington will intervene if European countries do not take Greenland’s security “more seriously,” escalating rhetoric over the strategically important Arctic territory.
Vance said the United States expects Europe to assume greater responsibility for security in and around Greenland, stressing that the region’s importance to US national security is growing. He cautioned that failure by European partners to act decisively would prompt direct US involvement.
The remarks come amid renewed focus by President Donald Trump and senior members of his administration on Greenland’s strategic value, with Washington refusing to rule out unilateral action if it deems its security interests threatened.
European leaders have pushed back strongly, maintaining that Greenland’s status and security arrangements are matters for Denmark and Greenland to determine, in line with international law.
Vance’s comments highlight widening strains between the United States and its European allies over Arctic security and burden-sharing within the transatlantic alliance.
