Bilateral Deal Sparks Questions
Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, has emphasized that the security arrangement for Greenland negotiated by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte must be presented to all allies for consideration. Speaking to Euronews on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Albares clarified that the deal announced with US President Donald Trump is a bilateral agreement, not a NATO-wide decision.
“This is a bilateral arrangement, not NATO. It is the Secretary General of NATO talking to one of the allies,” Albares told Euronews. He added that allied foreign ministers currently only have the public announcement and that the agreement will be reviewed within NATO’s council before any further steps are taken (Euronews).
Greenland’s Future Belongs to Its People
Trump’s announcement indicated a plan to expand US military presence in Greenland, including increasing bases in the Arctic following weeks of tension. Albares stressed that the territory’s future can only be decided by Greenland and Denmark.
“The people have said very clearly that they want to remain part of Denmark,” he said. Denmark has repeatedly rejected any transfer of sovereignty, and polls suggest most Greenlanders do not wish to come under US control. Earlier, Trump had threatened tariffs on eight European countries to pressure them into agreeing to a potential “sale,” citing strategic concerns about China and Russia (Euronews).
Europe Must Strengthen Its Defences
Albares also criticized Washington’s approach as unacceptable and insisted that the EU would not negotiate under coercion. He called on Europe to reinforce its own security and deterrence capabilities, signaling a long-term vision for a unified European army.
“If we want to continue being a land of peace where no one can impose war or use coercion—whether through force or trade—we need deterrence in our hands,” Albares told Euronews. He added that Europe should build a coalition of willing states, integrate defence industries, and ultimately establish a European army to safeguard peace and sovereignty (Euronews).
