BRUSSELS, Jan 14 (KUNA) -- President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday reaffirmed the European Union's support for Greenland, stressing that the Arctic island "belongs to its people," in response to statements by US President Donald Trump in which he threatened to seize Greenland.
Von der Leyen said during a press conference held in the Belgian capital, Brussels, "For me, it is important that the people of Greenland know, through deeds and not words alone, that we respect their will and their interests, and that they can count on us." Von der Leyen's remarks came amid continued threats by US President Donald Trump to take over the island, raising significant concern within the European Union, which fears that Trump may carry out his threats, potentially triggering an unprecedented crisis within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
It is worth noting that Greenland is an Arctic island that enjoys self-rule and falls under Danish sovereignty. It has a population of around 58,000 and is geographically located within the Arctic region, giving it major strategic and military importance for the US.
The EU has repeatedly affirmed its rejection of any infringement on the rights of the island's inhabitants or on their sovereignty. (end) arn.aa