Bilateral Deal, Not NATO-Wide Decision
Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, has stressed that a security framework for Greenland negotiated by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte must be presented to all allies before any action is taken. Speaking to Euronews at 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 said. He added that allied foreign ministers currently only have the public announcement, and any details will be reviewed within NATO’s council (Euronews).
Greenland’s Sovereignty Remains Central
Trump’s announcement outlined plans to expand the US military presence in Greenland, including additional Arctic bases, following weeks of tension. Albares highlighted that only Greenland and Denmark can decide the territory’s future.
“The people have said very clearly that they want to remain part of Denmark,” he said. Denmark has consistently rejected any transfer of sovereignty, and polls indicate most Greenlanders do not wish to come under US control. Earlier, Trump threatened tariffs on eight European countries to pressure them into a potential “sale,” citing national security concerns related to China and Russia (Euronews).
Europe Must Strengthen Its Defence
Albares also condemned the US approach as unacceptable, stating the EU would not negotiate under coercion. He called for stronger European security measures and a long-term move towards a unified European army.
“If we want to continue being a land of peace where no one can bring 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).
