US Vice-President Vance Critiques Europe's Handling of Greenland's Security

Fri Jan 09 2026 14:37:45 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a recent interview, US Vice-President JD Vance expressed concerns over Denmark's and Europe's defense strategy regarding Greenland, calling it 'critical' for global security against threats from Russia and China.

US Vice-President JD Vance has criticized both Denmark and Europe for their inadequate efforts in securing Greenland, highlighting its strategic importance against potential missile threats from Russia and China. Amid talks of a US purchase of the territory, both Denmark and Greenland assert that the island is not for sale. European leaders have rallied behind Denmark, emphasizing the importance of sovereignty and joint security efforts through NATO, rejecting any unilateral actions by the US.

US Vice-President JD Vance says Greenland is critical for the defence of the US and the world against possible Russian or Chinese missile attacks - and that Europe and Denmark have not done a good job in securing the area.

Vance told Fox News that they had not only under-invested in Greenland's defences, but also failed to engage with President Donald Trump's argument over the issue.

US officials are actively discussing a potential offer to buy Greenland - a semi-autonomous Danish territory - the White House said on Wednesday, a day after suggesting military action to annex it to the US was also an option.

Denmark, a fellow NATO member, has warned this would spell the end of the alliance.

Both Greenland and Denmark have repeatedly stressed the island is not for sale.

Despite being the most sparsely populated territory, Greenland's location between North America and the Arctic makes it well placed for early warning systems in the event of missile attacks, and for monitoring vessels in the region.

Pituffik Space Base, formerly known as Thule Air Base, has been operated by the US since World War Two.

In recent years, there has also been increased interest in Greenland's natural resources - including rare earth minerals, uranium and iron - which are becoming easier to access as its ice melts due to climate change. Scientists think it could also have significant oil and gas reserves.

Concerns over the future of the territory resurfaced after Trump's use of military force against Venezuela on Saturday to seize its President Nicolás Maduro. Trump previously made an offer to buy the island in 2019, during his first presidential term, only to be told it was not for sale.

A day earlier, European leaders issued a joint statement rallying behind Denmark, emphasizing that Greenland belongs to its people, and only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relations.