If the US takes over Greenland militarily, it will be the end of NATO.

According to Reuters, in a statement on January 12, European Union (EU) Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius emphasized that the EU could support Greenland's security if Denmark requested it. He also issued a stern warning that any military takeover of the island by the United States would put an end to the NATO alliance.

Previously, President Donald Trump asserted that the US "must own" Greenland – an autonomous region of Denmark – to prevent Russia or China from occupying this resource-rich and strategically located territory in the Arctic. Trump argued that the current US military presence was insufficient.

Amidst expectations that Denmark and the US will meet this week to discuss Greenland, both Denmark and the local authorities have affirmed that "Greenland is not for sale." However, Trump has not ruled out the possibility of occupying it by force.

Speaking at a security conference in Sweden, Commissioner Andrius Kubilius told Reuters: "I agree with the Danish Prime Minister that this would be the end of NATO. Not only politically, the public reaction would also be extremely negative."

Mr. Kubilius emphasized that an occupation, if it occurred, would have "profoundly negative impacts on public sentiment and transatlantic relations." Meanwhile, on the social media platform Truth Social, President Trump made only a brief statement:""I am the one who saved NATO!!!" without providing any further context or details.

Although a military invasion from the US is considered unlikely, Commissioner Kubilius reiterated that Article 42.7 of the Treaty on the European Union obligates member states to support Denmark should it face military aggression.

Mr. Kubilius questioned the rationale for occupying Greenland by force and warned of a full-blown crisis:"Who would recognize that occupation? It would impact every aspect of the US-European relationship, including trade – where Americans themselves would face painful consequences.

According to Mr. Kubilius, if Denmark requests it, the EU is ready to provide additional security resources, including: deploying troops and military infrastructure; increasing warships and anti-drone defense capabilities; and building specific defense capabilities for the Arctic region.

Mr. Kubilius also frankly admitted that Europe needs to build its own independent military capabilities, whether or not it relies on US assistance. He warned that a US withdrawal from NATO, if it were to happen, would be a major shock.