Trump’s words about Greenland and borders cause alarm in Europe

• Donald Trump alarms Europe.
• Reactions from European leaders and analysts.
• Risks for global security and NATO.

The president-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, has generated controversy with statements about the possibility of expanding his country’s borders.

In recent speeches, Trump has suggested annexing territories such as Canada, Greenland and the Panama Canal, even considering the use of force if necessary.

These claims have sparked criticism and concern, especially in Europe, where leaders such as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have spoken out against the idea.

Scholz stressed that «borders should not be moved by force,» while Meloni assured that he does not consider it likely that the United States will attempt a military annexation in the coming years.

DONALD TRUMP ALARMS EUROPE

PHOTO: AP

In Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, Prime Minister Múte B. Egede responded by stating that his people do not wish to become part of the United States.

However, he was open to «greater cooperation with the United States based on dialogue.»

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For her part, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the United States “our closest ally” and stressed the importance of maintaining unity between allies.

Leaders of other European countries, such as French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, warned about the implications of these statements.

What did the leaders say about it?

«Are we entering a period in which the law of the strongest returns? Yes,» said Barrot, who urged taking Trump’s words seriously.

Analysts and international relations experts consider Trump’s statements worrying, although not necessarily indicative of imminent military action.

Flemming Splidsboel Hansen, a foreign policy specialist at the Danish Institute of International Studies, said the claims could be «political bravado.»

However, he warned of the damage already done to transatlantic relations and NATO cohesion.

Analysis and risks for global security

Alexander Khara, a security analyst in kyiv, compared Trump’s statements to Vladimir Putin’s justifications for annexing Crimea in 2014.

According to Khara, suggesting that borders are flexible sets “a completely dangerous precedent” on the international scene.

On the other hand, Alix Frangeul-Alves of the German Marshall Fund linked Trump’s interest in Greenland with the desire to secure strategic resources, such as rare earths essential for advanced technologies.

This perspective highlights competition with China as a key factor in US policies.

An international system in transition

Analysts agree that Trump’s statements reflect a moment of change in the international system.

With a setback of the norms and principles established since the Second World War.

“We are heading towards more conflict, more chaos and more uncertainty,” Khara concluded.

*WITH INFORMATION FROM EFE.

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