Denmark and the United States have agreed to establish a joint working group to address disagreements regarding the future of Greenland. The decision followed a meeting on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, between Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers and U.S. Vice President JD Vance, a meeting that did not alter Washington’s position.
Seeking Common Ground
“We have decided to form a high-level working group to explore whether we can find a common path forward,” Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stated during a press conference alongside his Greenlandic counterpart, Vivian Motzfeldt.
Rasmussen indicated the group is expected to convene within weeks and will focus on addressing U.S. security concerns while also respecting Denmark’s stated boundaries. The meeting with Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio took place at the Eisenhower Executive Building within the White House complex.
According to Rasmussen, the discussions were “frank but also constructive,” despite the continued divergence of views. Denmark maintains that Greenland’s security can be ensured “within the current framework” and considers any proposal that disregards Denmark’s territorial integrity and the Greenlandic people’s right to self-determination as “totally unacceptable.”
Prior to the meeting, President Trump stated via his Truth Social platform that having Greenland “in U.S. hands” would make NATO more effective, adding that “anything less than that is unacceptable.”
Both Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen have rejected the possibility of the United States acquiring the island – an autonomous territory of Denmark – through purchase or military force.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the formation of this working group?
The working group was formed following a meeting between Danish and Greenlandic officials with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, which aimed to address disagreements over the future of Greenland, but did not result in a change of position from the United States.
What are the key concerns of the United States?
The United States has expressed concerns regarding the security of Greenland, with President Trump arguing that acquiring the island is necessary for global peace and would strengthen NATO.
What is Denmark’s position on the future of Greenland?
Denmark believes that Greenland’s security can be maintained within the existing framework and considers any attempt to alter its territorial integrity or the right to self-determination of the Greenlandic people as unacceptable.
What impact will this working group have on the future of Greenland and the relationship between Denmark and the United States?
