Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has warned that while Europe must defend its "red lines" regarding Greenland’s sovereignty, it is vital to keep the transatlantic relationship “functional” to prevent permanent diplomatic damage.
Speaking after an emergency European Union summit in Brussels, Mr. Mitsotakis addressed the turbulence caused by President Donald Trump’s pressure on Denmark.
He noted the situation had “slightly improved” after the U.S. clarified it would not use force or impose immediate tariffs on nations supporting Copenhagen.
“There can be no question of challenging Greenland’s territorial integrity,” Mr. Mitsotakis said. “Only Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark can decide Greenland’s future.”
While acknowledging legitimate U.S. security interests in the Arctic, the Prime Minister insisted these must be addressed through NATO, not unilateral coercion.
Using the adage “good fences make good neighbors,” he argued for clear boundaries to stabilize the alliance.
Mr. Mitsotakis also confirmed that Greece, along with most EU partners, cannot participate in Mr. Trump’s proposed “Peace Council” for Gaza in its current form.
However, he left the door open for European initiatives to refocus the body on its original mandate of transitional administration.
Concluding his remarks, Mr. Mitsotakis renewed calls for EU strategic autonomy.
“We must move from the strength of our values to the value of our strength,” he said. “Any tension in euro-Atlantic relations harms both Europe and the United States.”