The European Union is discussing the possibility of deploying troops to Greenland amid growing concerns over Washington’s plans. This was reported by Politico, citing diplomatic sources within the EU.

According to the publication, European countries may consider sending a military contingent to the island if Denmark makes such a request. The purpose of this move would be to increase the potential costs for the United States should a force-based scenario be pursued. At the same time, the sources acknowledge that such a deployment would be unlikely to physically prevent possible US actions, but could serve as a deterrent.

Earlier, Reuters reported that the US administration is discussing several options for acquiring control over Greenland, including scenarios involving the use of military force. At the same time, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a phone conversation with his French counterpart, stated that Washington does not plan to invade the island.

The day before, US President Donald Trump, commenting on international affairs following a military operation in Venezuela, once again stated that the United States needs Greenland, pointing to its strategic importance for national security. A day earlier, an image of Greenland colored in the US flag appeared on social media, hinting at possible future changes to the island’s status.

In response, Danish Ambassador to Washington Jesper Moller Sorensen reminded of the allied relationship between the two countries and stressed that Copenhagen expects full respect for the territorial integrity of the kingdom. Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen described such publications as disrespectful, while stating that he sees no reason for panic.

Former head of Greenland’s autonomous government Mute Egede has repeatedly stated that the island is not for sale. At the same time, Donald Trump has previously refused to give assurances that military force would not be used to establish control over it.

Until 1953, Greenland was a colony of Denmark. It remains part of the Danish Kingdom, but since 2009 has enjoyed broad autonomy, including the right to self-government and independent domestic policy decisions.