Denmark’s defense ministry confirmed Wednesday that a long-standing military directive requires Danish forces to immediately engage any invading troops, including those from allied nations such as the US, without waiting for further orders.
The policy, dating back to 1952, mandates that Danish soldiers counterattack as soon as an invasion occurs, regardless of whether a formal declaration of war has been issued or commanders are aware a conflict has begun. The rule remains active, the defense ministry said when questioned by Danish newspaper Berlingske.
According to the Danish newspaper Berlingske, the 1952 order instructs that “the attacked forces must immediately take up the fight without waiting for or seeking orders,” even in cases where the legal status of war is unclear. The Danish defense ministry confirmed to the outlet that the directive “remains in force.”
The confirmation comes amid renewed international attention on Greenland following repeated remarks by President Donald Trump, who has said the United States should acquire the Arctic territory. The president has mainly spoken about acquiring the territory through a land purchase or negotiation but has made some comments saying that all options are still on the table. Greenland is a territory under Danish sovereignty and is part of the NATO alliance.
Rubio has told US lawmakers that comments involving Greenland do not signal imminent military action and that the administration’s objective remains acquiring the territory through negotiation, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Despite this, Trump’s comments have triggered concern among European governments, particularly within NATO. Danish officials have repeatedly said Greenland is not for sale, and Greenland’s local government has echoed that position.
European governments are now coordinating responses. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said discussions are ongoing with European partners about how to respond to a potential US move. “We want to take action, but we want to do so together with our European partners,” Barrot said.
A German government source said that Berlin is working closely with Denmark and other European nations on next steps for Greenland.
Barrot also said he had spoken directly with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who assured him that Washington is not planning an invasion. “He ruled out the possibility of an invasion,” Barrot said.
The policy, dating back to 1952, mandates that Danish soldiers counterattack as soon as an invasion occurs, regardless of whether a formal declaration of war has been issued or commanders are aware a conflict has begun. The rule remains active, the defense ministry said when questioned by Danish newspaper Berlingske.
According to the Danish newspaper Berlingske, the 1952 order instructs that “the attacked forces must immediately take up the fight without waiting for or seeking orders,” even in cases where the legal status of war is unclear. The Danish defense ministry confirmed to the outlet that the directive “remains in force.”
The confirmation comes amid renewed international attention on Greenland following repeated remarks by President Donald Trump, who has said the United States should acquire the Arctic territory. The president has mainly spoken about acquiring the territory through a land purchase or negotiation but has made some comments saying that all options are still on the table. Greenland is a territory under Danish sovereignty and is part of the NATO alliance.
Rubio has told US lawmakers that comments involving Greenland do not signal imminent military action and that the administration’s objective remains acquiring the territory through negotiation, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Despite this, Trump’s comments have triggered concern among European governments, particularly within NATO. Danish officials have repeatedly said Greenland is not for sale, and Greenland’s local government has echoed that position.
European governments are now coordinating responses. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said discussions are ongoing with European partners about how to respond to a potential US move. “We want to take action, but we want to do so together with our European partners,” Barrot said.
A German government source said that Berlin is working closely with Denmark and other European nations on next steps for Greenland.
Barrot also said he had spoken directly with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who assured him that Washington is not planning an invasion. “He ruled out the possibility of an invasion,” Barrot said.
