Bilateral Talks, Not an Alliance Decision
Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares told Euronews that any security arrangement for Greenland negotiated by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte must be reviewed by all member states before moving forward. Albares emphasized that the deal announced between Rutte and US President Donald Trump is a bilateral matter, not a NATO-wide decision.
“This is a bilateral arrangement, not NATO,” Albares said. “It is the Secretary General of NATO talking to one of the allies. I have spoken with the foreign ministers of all allied countries, and they have the same information I do — just the announcement.” He added that any details will ultimately be presented to the NATO Council (Euronews, 2026).
Greenland’s Future Lies with Its People and Denmark
President Trump’s announcement suggested that the agreement would allow the US to expand its military presence in Greenland, increasing bases in the Arctic. Albares was clear that decisions about Greenland’s status rest with the territory and Denmark.
“The people have said it very clearly — they want to remain as part of Denmark,” he said. Earlier, Trump had proposed tariffs against several European nations, including Denmark, France, and Germany, in attempts to pressure Greenland’s sale, citing national security concerns against China and Russia. Danish officials and polls show strong opposition to US ownership, and sovereignty remains firmly respected (Euronews, 2026).
Europe Must Strengthen Its Defence Capabilities
Albares criticized the US approach as unacceptable and warned that the EU would not negotiate under coercion. Speaking to Euronews, he called for a unified European stance on security and deterrence, suggesting the need for stronger collaboration and eventual creation of a European army.
“If we want to remain a land of peace where no one can impose war or coercion, we need deterrence in our own hands,” he said. Albares outlined a vision that starts with a coalition of willing European states, deeper integration of defence industries, and ultimately a fully capable European army (Euronews, 2026).
Source: Euronews, 2026.
