Denmark has hit a diplomatic snag with its closest ally after reports emerged that the United States is stepping up espionage efforts in Greenland. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen announced he will summon the U.S. ambassador to Copenhagen in response to a Wall Street Journal report suggesting that Washington intends to intensify spying activities targeting the Arctic island.
The Wall Street Journal article, citing anonymous sources, claimed that U.S. intelligence agencies were instructed to identify individuals in Greenland and Denmark who support American strategic objectives in the region. Rasmussen said the unverified report caused “a lot of worry” because “we do not spy between friends.” He noted that U.S. officials had not strongly denied the claims, further fueling his concerns.
Rasmussen confirmed the ambassador will meet with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to either refute the disturbing information or clarify Denmark’s position. “It is very concerning if the approach now involves gathering intelligence in Denmark and Greenland,” he said, emphasizing the seriousness of a friend speculating about intelligence gathering and influence operations.
The strained relations follow U.S. President Donald Trump’s previous proposal to purchase Greenland—a plan that met with widespread backlash across Denmark. “All people are impressionable,” Rasmussen noted, adding that he doubted any attempt to weaken the unity of the Kingdom and seize Greenland would succeed.
Denmark’s domestic intelligence agency, PET, also issued a warning on elevated espionage threats and foreign influence risks against both Denmark and Greenland, pointing to the region’s growing strategic importance.
Greenland, which became an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953 and gained home rule in 1979, remains under Danish control for foreign affairs and defense, reinforcing Copenhagen’s leading role in any diplomatic or security response.
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Danish FM to summon U.S. ambassador over Greenland espionage report
cgtn.com
