The silence of NATO’s leadership in response to statements by U. S. President Donald Trump about claims over Greenland is causing growing unease in European capitals and fueling doubts about the alliance’s ability to effectively defend Denmark’s interests. This is reported by the Financial Times, citing sources within the EU leadership.

According to the newspaper, NATO has yet to issue any official statement reaffirming the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Denmark and Greenland. The alliance has also refrained from reacting to remarks by the U.S. president, who previously said Washington would not allow Russia or China to strengthen their presence on the island and openly suggested that the United States could establish control over Greenland by any means necessary.

European officials quoted by the Financial Times say Washington’s allies are maintaining a conspicuous silence. They noted that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte had been expected to serve as a reliable interlocutor for Europe in dealings with Trump, but instead has remained unusually quiet.

This stance is reportedly irritating a number of European governments. The paper notes that European leaders had hoped to demonstrate unity within the alliance, particularly when it comes to supporting Denmark, and to ease tensions in transatlantic relations.

Sources among European officials also acknowledge that the dominant role of the United States within NATO significantly limits the room for independent action by other member states.

At the same time, officials warn that the lack of a clear response could reinforce Trump’s sense of freedom of action on issues affecting allied interests. They also believe the U.S. president may seek to exploit Europe’s dependence on Washington in the field of security for his own purposes.

Earlier, media reports said that the White House had ordered the preparation of a plan aimed at establishing control over Greenland.