Bilateral Talks Not Yet a NATO Agreement
Spain’s foreign minister has stressed that any security framework for Greenland negotiated by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte must be reviewed by all member states. Speaking to Euronews at the World Economic Forum in Davos, José Manuel Albares said the recent deal between Rutte and US President Donald Trump is a bilateral arrangement, “not NATO… it is the Secretary General of NATO talking to one of the allies.”
Albares added that details of the agreement remain limited. “I talked to the ministers of foreign affairs of all those allied countries, and they have the same information as I, just the announcement,” he said. “I’m sure that whatever has been discussed will be brought to the Council of NATO” (Euronews, 2026).
Greenland’s Future Lies With Its People
President Trump had announced a plan allowing the US to expand its military presence in Greenland, following weeks of Arctic tensions. Albares emphasized that the people of Greenland and Denmark are the ones to decide the island’s future. “The people have said it very clearly, they want to remain as part of Denmark,” he told Euronews.
Trump previously threatened tariffs on European nations, including Denmark, France, and Germany, in an effort to secure the “complete and total sale” of Greenland. Danish authorities have repeatedly confirmed that Greenland will not be traded, and polls show most residents do not wish to join the United States. Denmark also clarified that the agreement mediated by Rutte does not touch on Greenlandic sovereignty.
Europe Must Strengthen Its Own Defence
Albares criticized the US approach as unacceptable and urged Europe not to negotiate under coercion. Speaking to Euronews, he highlighted the importance of European security and deterrence, calling for greater integration of defence industries and steps toward a European army.
“If we want to remain a land of peace where no one can bring war or use coercion—whether through force or trade—we need deterrence in our own hands,” Albares said. “We need a coalition of the willing, an integration of our defence industries, and ultimately, a European army” (Euronews, 2026).
