Denmark Summons US Ambassador Over Espionage Reports in Greenland

Denmark has announced plans to summon the US ambassador following reports of American intelligence agencies conducting surveillance operations in Greenland. The move comes after a Wall Street Journal investigation revealed that the CIA, DIA, and NSA were directed to monitor Greenland’s political dynamics, local sentiment, and resource interests¹. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called the allegations “deeply concerning,” emphasizing that allies do not spy on one another².

Espionage Allegations and Diplomatic Fallout

The US intelligence operation reportedly targeted Greenland’s independence movement, rare earth mineral exploitation debates, and pro-US political figures³. A US official anonymously confirmed to the WSJ that the goal was to assess Greenland’s alignment with American strategic interests, particularly regarding resource access⁴. This follows former President Trump’s repeated public statements about acquiring Greenland, including controversial remarks about “violent annexation”⁵.

Denmark’s response has been swift and public. Foreign Minister Rasmussen stated:

“We do not spy on friends. We expect transparency from our allies.”

⁶ The diplomatic summons coincides with King Frederik X’s high-profile visit to Greenland, where he prominently displayed dual Danish-Greenlandic flags⁷.

Military and Geopolitical Implications

The US Air Force recently reactivated Kangerlussuaq Airport as a Hercules transport base, signaling increased military activity in the Arctic region⁸. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen responded forcefully to the espionage reports:

“The US will not get Greenland.”

⁹ Local residents expressed similar sentiments, with one telling German media:

“They want to turn our people against Denmark. But we won’t be bought.”

¹⁰

The situation has drawn comparisons to the 2013 NSA surveillance scandal involving German Chancellor Angela Merkel¹¹. Denmark and Norway have issued warnings about using US cloud services due to espionage concerns¹², while social media reactions in Denmark show significant public outrage toward the United States¹³.

Future Developments

Greenland plans to hold an independence referendum by 2026, which could complicate US strategic interests in the region¹⁴. Denmark may escalate the matter to NATO or UN forums if espionage allegations are confirmed¹⁵. The US State Department has dismissed the reports as “routine intelligence gathering” without directly denying the operations¹⁶.

This incident highlights growing tensions in Arctic geopolitics, where Greenland’s rare earth minerals and strategic location have made it a focal point for US-China-Russia competition¹⁷. The diplomatic fallout may have lasting effects on US-Denmark relations and NATO cohesion in the region.