Danish leader visits European capitals, urging unity amid Greenland’s ‘uncertain reality’

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, shown on Jan. 14, said on her first stop of a tour of European capitals that “we are facing a more uncertain reality, a reality that calls for an even more united Europe and for more cooperation.” Denmark’s prime minister embarked on a tour of major European capitals Tuesday as the continent faces what she called “a more uncertain reality” and her country moves to strengthen its military presence in Greenland. On Monday, her government announced a nearly $2-billion agreement with parties including the governments of Greenland and the Faroe Islands to “improve capabilities for surveillance and maintaining sovereignty in the region.” Those will include three new Arctic naval vessels, two additional long-range surveillance drones and satellite capacity, the Danish Defense Ministry said. Frederiksen didn’t directly mention Trump’s threat in comments at a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, but she said that “we are facing a more uncertain reality, a reality that calls for an even more united Europe and for more cooperation.” She pointed to Russian activities in Ukraine and beyond and said that “it is up to Europe to define the future of our continent, and I think we have to take more responsibility for our own security.” In its announcement on the Arctic and North Atlantic region, the Danish Defense Ministry said that the parties agreed to negotiate a second agreement in the first half of this year focused on strengthening deterrence and defense. “For this reason, we must strengthen our presence in the region.” His ministry said that ensuring that investments provide support for local jobs and businesses in Greenland and the Faroe Islands will be “a focal point.” Vivian Motzfeldt, Greenland’s minister of statehood and foreign affairs, said she was “pleased with the steps we are taking towards increased security in and around Greenland” with the accord.