Today’s big topic: Greenlandic MP won’t rule out an agreement with the United States: »We have to talk about the realities«
Almost a year ago, Aki-Matilda Høegh Dam split from Siumut, the party under which she was elected to the Danish Parliament in 2019. The rupture was partly due to disagreements about Greenland’s independence.
What’s happening?
US figures are exploiting Denmark’s treatment of Greenland, striking a sensitive nerve, says Greenlandic MP Aki-Matilda Høegh-Dam of Naleraq. Naleraq advocates independence and proposes either free association or a commonwealth model to present a united legal front with Denmark.
She argues such unity would strengthen their position internationally and quiet critics, though US interest in Greenland will persist regardless. If Denmark won’t expand Greenlandic autonomy, she is open to a US agreement to secure more independence.
Warning that Trump could move to take control, she urges realistic diplomacy and negotiations with the US, while still preferring an agreement with Denmark. She calls Denmark’s long-standing strategy toward Greenland a major foreign-policy mistake and warns of ongoing risk if dialogue is refused.
Why it matters!
The issue highlights mounting tensions within the Kingdom of Denmark, putting Greenlandic self-determination at the center of the political agenda. It underscores how US pressure—real or perceived—can reshape Denmark’s foreign and security policy priorities.
It challenges Denmark’s historical approach to Greenland and raises whether greater autonomy or new legal arrangements are needed now.
Still curious? Read the full article here.
In other news
– Danwatch and Information scoop the Cavling Prize
Danwatch and Dagbladet Information won this year’s Cavling Prize for an investigative series on Danish arms exports to Israel, revealing continued shipments of spare parts for Israeli F-35 jets bombing Gaza. Legal experts consulted by the outlets say Denmark is violating its international obligations, while allies like Norway and the UK have halted such parts during the war. Read the full article here.
– Rejsekort, DSB, and the Metro could face penalties for manipulating their own customers
A nationwide campaign by Rejsekort and public transport operators stating the physical card is ending and urging users to download an app has prompted complaints and a Consumer Ombudsman investigation for allegedly misleading marketing, as it omitted that a new physical Basiskort will be available. A marketing law professor calls it a textbook case of deception affecting hundreds of thousands, potentially leading to fines. Read the full article here.
– Food prices are down for the fifth consecutive month
Ritzau reports that Danish inflation eased to 1.9% year-on-year in December from 2.1% in November, with food and non-alcoholic drinks driving the annual rise but food prices falling month-on-month for the fifth straight time (-1.8% for food; -2.0% including non-alcoholic drinks). AL Sydbank’s Brian Friis Helmer says food prices likely peaked and could drop further as certain duties, including on coffee and chocolate, are scrapped.
Talk of town: How can Europe prevent Trump from taking control of Greenland?
Trump’s push to control Greenland is unfolding in three steps: soft influence and »seduction,« a concrete offer (either a purchase or a free-association deal), and potential coercion up to military action.
Europe’s low-key approach has failed, so proposals now include a high-level summit in Greenland and stronger NATO engagement to pressure Washington. Buying Greenland faces weak support in Congress and among the US public, while a free-association deal is legally workable but slow—likely beyond Trump’s patience.
If diplomacy stalls, Europe could send symbolic troops to signal resolve, though legal grounds are unclear. In a worst case, Trump could threaten NATO or broader sanctions, forcing Europe and Denmark into concessions despite exploring countermeasures.
Read the full article here.
This newsletter features stories originally published in Danish. AI was used to shorten and translate the articles into English, after which a member of the editorial staff reviewed and refined the content.