Danish PM seeks to counter Trump with one-day European charm offensive
The day began in Berlin for Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen as she embarked on a cross-continental charm offensive to seek support from European leaders against Trump’s threats of retaliation against Denmark, should the Nordic country refuse to hand over Greenland. After hosting a press conference with Chancellor Olaf Scholz, where her German counterpart spoke about the importance of respecting borders, she jetted off to Paris, where she shared hugs with French President Emmanuel Macron, before ending her day in a meeting with the new NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Copenhagen has traditionally been one of Washington’s staunchest European allies. The country participated in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, assisted the U.S. with fighter jets in their campaigns in Syria and Libya and is a member of the information-sharing network Nine Eyes. This new reality—having to deal with an oppositional and aggressive U.S.—has caused panic and confusion among Danish diplomats, officials, and experts, as the country seeks to form a strategy that doesn’t align with a hostile Trump administration.
“I want to ensure that all of Europe stands together. Not just in relation to the Kingdom of Denmark but more broadly,” Frederiksen told Danish national broadcaster DR. “Everyone in Europe can see that the cooperation with the U.S. is changing. At least, that’s the tone we’re hearing from Washington regarding trade and economic collaboration. What the consequences will be, we don’t know yet.”
As part of her messaging to drum up support, she emphasized that Europe as a whole is currently in an extraordinary situation—not just Denmark.
“Regardless of what happens in the U.S., Europe must stand stronger on its own,” Frederiksen declared.
In Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron echoed Frederiksen’s concerns, emphasizing the importance of European unity.
“Europe must demonstrate strength and unity in the face of shifting global dynamics,” Macron said. “France stands with Denmark in defending the sovereignty and rights of all European nations.”
This sentiment was further reflected in remarks from French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. Speaking to Sud Radio after the meeting, he mentioned that the idea of sending French troops to Greenland had been brought up but noted that Denmark had not been open to the proposal.
Frederiksen ended her day in Brussels, meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Among the key issues discussed was the need for greater focus on Arctic security, with Frederiksen highlighting growing threats in the region.
“We expect even more activity from both Russia and China, and unfortunately, not of the positive kind,” she said. “So, in our view, it is entirely natural that NATO and the Arctic states, including the Kingdom of Denmark, start prioritizing the Arctic region more.”
Rutte echoed her concerns, telling reporters after their meeting that NATO must adapt to the evolving geopolitical landscape.
“The Arctic is becoming increasingly strategic, and NATO must ensure it plays a role in maintaining stability and security there,” Rutte said.
Frederiksen’s whirlwind diplomatic tour reflects Denmark’s new reality as it pushes to solidify European unity and strengthen regional defenses, at a time when transatlantic relations are undergoing profound change. As it attempts to gather support from major European leaders such as Macron, Scholz and Rutte, Denmark is signaling a clear shift toward reinforcing alliances within Europe, as relations with the U.S. sour.
