BRUSSELS, Jan 29 (Reuters) - The European Council President stated in an interview on Wednesday that Denmark's sovereignty is a crucial matter for the EU amid U.S. President Donald Trump's expressed interest in acquiring Greenland for the United States.
Greenland, an Arctic island, is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark.
European Council President Antonio Costa emphasized the significance of Denmark’s territorial integrity and stability in his statement to Euronews, saying, "The territoriality of Denmark, the sovereignty of Denmark, the stability of its borders is obviously an essential issue."
These sentiments align with those expressed by the EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, who stated that the bloc is firm on the standpoint that there will be "no negotiation" regarding Greenland.
President Trump views Greenland as strategically important to the U.S. and has suggested that Denmark relinquish control of the island. He has not ruled out employing military or economic strategies to achieve this objective.
The U.S. military maintains a permanent base in northwestern Greenland, which functions as a ballistic missile early-warning system.
Following a meeting between NATO and Denmark on Tuesday, they have committed to enhancing defense capabilities, with Copenhagen announcing a $2 billion increase in Arctic defense.
Both the U.S. and Denmark have reiterated that Greenland is not up for sale, with Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede stressing the importance of the island's residents having a say in their future.
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