By Micah Jonah
January 12, 2026
United States military takeover of Greenland would mark the end of NATO, severely damage transatlantic relations, the European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, warned on Monday.
Speaking at a security conference in Sweden, Kubilius said the European Union could help provide security for Greenland if Denmark requests it, including military personnel and infrastructure, stressing that any forced occupation would have far reaching political, security and economic consequences.
Trump has repeatedly said the United States must own Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, arguing it is necessary to prevent Russia or China from gaining a foothold in the strategically important Arctic region. Denmark and Greenland have both rejected the idea, insisting the territory is not for sale. Trump has not ruled out the use of force.
“I agree with the Danish Prime Minister that it would be the end of NATO,” Kubilius said, adding that such a move would also provoke strong negative reactions among European citizens, undermine trust between Europe and the United States.
Kubilius noted that under Article 42.7 of the EU Treaty, member states are obligated to assist Denmark in the event of military aggression. He questioned who would recognize any occupation of Greenland, warned that it could trigger serious repercussions across EU – US relations, including trade.
He also said the EU could increase its role in Arctic security, if requested, through measures such as deploying troops, warships and anti drone systems, though the specific needs would be determined by military experts.
Beyond Greenland, Kubilius stressed that Europe must accelerate efforts to build greater military independence from the United States, even while acknowledging that a US withdrawal from NATO would pose an enormous challenge.
“NATO as it exists today would not survive without the United States,” he said, adding that Europe would then need to explore how NATO structures could evolve into a stronger European pillar.
The comments come as NATO members continue to boost defence spending following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and amid renewed pressure from Trump for European allies to take greater responsibility for their own security.
