Denmark seeks business dialogue amid U.S. Greenland comments

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called a meeting with business leaders after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump suggested military or economic measures to take control of Greenland. She reaffirmed Greenland’s autonomy and Denmark’s commitment to Arctic security and trade.

Copenhagen – Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has convened a meeting with business leaders following remarks by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who last week refused to rule out military or economic measures to assert U.S. control over Greenland.

Trump said it was an "absolute necessity" for the United States to take control of Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, and suggested he would impose tariffs on Denmark if it resists his offer to buy the vast Arctic island.

In a 45-minute phone conversation on Wednesday, Frederiksen reaffirmed that Greenland’s future is its own decision, while Denmark remains committed to strengthening security in the Arctic. She also highlighted Danish businesses’ contributions to the U.S. economy and the shared EU-U.S. interest in trade cooperation.

Among those attending the business meeting is Novo Nordisk CEO Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen, alongside representatives from Denmark’s leading companies, including Carlsberg, Lego, Pandora, and Vestas.

"It's important that we have a good and constructive dialogue with the Danish business community. In a time of geopolitical tensions, we must seek dialogue and cooperation," Trade and Industry Minister Morten Bødskov stated. The ministry did not disclose further details regarding the meeting’s schedule or participants.

Following Frederiksen’s discussion with Trump, foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen has also called members of the foreign policy committee for a separate meeting on Thursday.

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