Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken told VRT that the EU would be unable to defeat the United States militarily in Greenland if Washington decided to annex the island, but said the bloc has a Plan B.

Francken questioned whether Europe would really start a war over Greenland and said US military superiority is enormous, especially in that region. He pointed to supply lines as a key factor and said the EU cannot win by military means. Therefore, he argued, the priority is to stay within what he called Plan A.

He explained that Plan A is to convince the United States that the EU is capable of handling any security issues in Greenland on its own if problems arise. Asked what the EU would do if that approach fails and the US takes control of Greenland by force, Francken said Plan B always exists, but added it should not be discussed in detail, noting that backup options are always available.

Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. However, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said the island should become part of the United States. The authorities of Denmark and Greenland have warned Washington against any seizure of the island and said they expect respect for their territorial integrity.