Spanish FM Albares: NATO allies kept in dark over Greenland deal

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

DAVOS, SWITZERLAND — Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares stated on Thursday that the security framework regarding Greenland, recently negotiated by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, must be submitted to all alliance members for a collective evaluation.

Speaking to Euronews on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Albares emphasized that the arrangement reached between Rutte and U.S. President Donald Trump is currently a bilateral discussion rather than a formal NATO-wide agreement. "This is not an agreement made by NATO, but a conversation between the NATO Secretary-General and one of the allies," Albares remarked, noting that other member states have yet to receive specific details.

Calls for transparency and sovereignty

The announcement follows President Trump's declaration on Wednesday that a deal had been reached to increase the U.S. military presence and the number of American bases in the Arctic territory. However, Albares reminded stakeholders that the future of Greenland can only be decided by the people of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark. Despite Trump’s previous interests in "purchasing" the island, Danish authorities have repeatedly asserted that Greenland is sovereign and not for sale.

The Spanish Minister confirmed that he has consulted with other European foreign ministers, all of whom reportedly share the same lack of detailed information. He expressed confidence that the specifics of the negotiations will eventually be brought before the NATO Council for a formal briefing.

Strategic autonomy and the "European Army"

Albares described the U.S. administration's previous threats—which included imposing additional tariffs on eight European countries to pressure a Greenland sale—as "unacceptable." He asserted that the European Union would not negotiate under duress and possesses strong economic tools to respond to such pressure from Washington.

Highlighting the need for Europe to defend its own values and security, Albares made a strong case for increased strategic autonomy. "If we want to remain an area of peace where no one can bring us war or exert power and trade pressure, we must hold deterrence in our own hands," he said. The Minister concluded by calling for a "European security coalition" of willing nations, the integration of defense industries, and ultimately, the formation of a European army.

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