The increasingly provocative rhetoric of US President Donald Trump regarding Greenland is prompting calls for a strengthening of German-Danish relations, according to Stefan Seidler, the sole member of the South Schleswig People’s Association (SSW) in the German Bundestag. Seidler voiced his concerns to the Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers, emphasizing a perceived obligation to provide full support to Denmark during a period of heightened geopolitical uncertainty.
Seidler expressed a palpable fear that the United States is developing a detailed strategy for potential action concerning Greenland, suggesting a “very concrete plan” now resides on the President’s desk. His critique extended to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, whom he accused of lacking the necessary assertiveness, demanding a leader who would “firmly address issues on the table”. While acknowledging Trump’s perceived shortcomings in diplomatic tact, Seidler’s primary worry stems from the potential ramifications of any US intervention in Greenland.
Specifically, he questioned the future autonomy of Greenland and the legality of potential annexation, highlighting the potential for resentment amongst the local population. Drawing parallels to the treatment of Native American communities within the United States, Seidler pointed to the historical and ongoing struggles of groups like the Inuit in Alaska as a worrying precedent. He underscored the risk of disregarding the rights and sovereignty of Greenlanders, a matter he believes would not be tolerated.
The political implications resonate close to home for Seidler, whose constituency resides in Schleswig-Holstein. He characterized the evolving security environment as a direct threat, referencing surveillance drones and reconnaissance aircraft observed traversing waterways. He is urging an immediate escalation in the protection of critical infrastructure, alongside a clear delineation of responsibility and accountability for security protocols within the region. The situation demands a renewed focus on bolstering regional security and a proactive engagement with Denmark to mitigate potential instability arising from US foreign policy.
