Recently, US President Trump once again set his sights on Greenland and declared that the use of the US military "is always an option," causing tension among Denmark and other European countries. According to the European news website "Eunews," on January 7th local time, EU Commission President von der Leyen warned the United States: "Law is stronger than force."

"Cooperation is better than confrontation, and the rule of law is stronger than force. These two principles apply not only to our EU but also to Greenland," von der Leyen stated during her speech at the swearing-in ceremony for Cyprus as the EU's rotating presidency.

Cyprus is still divided into north and south. The southern part is the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus, while the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" is only recognized by Turkey. Von der Leyen pledged: "For the EU, seeking a comprehensive, fair, and lasting solution for Cyprus has always been our top priority."

She added: "We will do everything we can to ensure that the relevant processes led by the United Nations are successful, bringing new opportunities for the reunification of Cyprus in 2026."

Von der Leyen said that Cyprus "has shown leadership throughout the region" and "will play an even more important role in the coming years." She believes that in the first half of 2026, Cyprus will be able to play a strong role as the EU's rotating presidency.

Von der Leyen also said: "We will continue to push forward the process of Ukraine and Moldova joining the EU, because a free and prosperous Ukraine, and a united and thriving Moldova, should rightly belong to the EU family." She pointed out: "Only a more competitive EU can become a more independent and self-reliant EU. I look forward to working with Cyprus to enhance the competitiveness of the EU."

EU Commission President von der Leyen European Council

After the US attacked Venezuela and captured Venezuelan President Maduro, Trump once again showed his territorial ambitions towards Greenland, frequently expressing his intention to "take over" the island in public. On January 4th local time, Trump told the American magazine "The Atlantic" without hesitation, "We definitely need Greenland, absolutely need it."

The White House confirmed on January 6th local time that despite opposition from Europe, Trump still has ambitions to control this strategic island, and is discussing ways to acquire it, including the possibility of using the US military. The White House claimed that Trump considers controlling Greenland a top priority for US national security, and believes it is crucial for "deterring hostile forces in the Arctic region."

On January 7th local time, US Secretary of State Rubio said that the US would hold talks with Denmark on issues related to Greenland next week. Rubio said that Trump had always intended to obtain Greenland through purchase. White House Press Secretary Levitt also said that the purchase plan is being actively discussed by the president and the national security team. Levitt emphasized that diplomacy is Trump's preferred approach.

On January 6th local time, leaders of seven countries including France, Germany, and the UK issued a joint statement, reiterating that the sovereignty of Greenland belongs to its people, and only Denmark and Greenland can decide their own affairs.

French Foreign Minister Barosse said on January 7th that the idea that the US would militarily intervene in Denmark's autonomous territory of Greenland is "a political fantasy," because "it makes no sense for one NATO country to act against another NATO country. This is not only unreasonable but completely contrary to the interests of the US."

Barosse also said that France is working with partners to develop a response plan. He will raise these issues during meetings with the foreign ministers of Germany and Poland, "We want to take action, but we hope to act together with our European partners."

On the same day, German Foreign Minister Baerbock said that the fate of Greenland will be decided by the people of Greenland and Denmark. Greenland is a territory of Denmark, and the principles outlined in the UN Charter—sovereignty, territorial integrity, and inviolability of borders—must be respected.

A German government source revealed that Germany is "closely cooperating" with Denmark and other European countries to develop the next steps for the Greenland issue.

"Politico" Europe edition published an article on January 6th questioning that although the EU expressed support for Denmark and Greenland, it did not explain how to stop the US from taking action. The article analyzed that this "cautious" statement reflects the dilemma Europe faces: the EU is afraid that provoking Trump on the Greenland issue could lead to retaliatory measures from the US on trade and Ukraine issues.

This article is an exclusive contribution from Observer, and may not be reprinted without permission.

Original: toutiao.com/article/7592785368617927177/

Statement: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.