On January 19, US President Donald Trump linked promoting control of Greenland to failing to win the Nobel Peace Prize, and threatened to impose taxes on European countries if no agreement is reached.
Mr. Trump said he no longer thinks "purely about peace" in the context that tensions around the island risk rekindling a trade war with Europe.
In an interview, Mr. Trump declined to say whether he would use force to win Greenland, but reiterated the possibility of imposing taxes on European countries.
He also increased pressure to challenge Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland, forcing the European Union (EU) to consider retaliatory measures.
This dispute is assessed to shake NATO, which has been under a lot of pressure from the conflict in Ukraine and Mr. Trump's views on the obligation to protect allies.
Mr. Trump's statements have worried European industry and volatile financial markets, as investors fear a similar trade instability scenario to the previous period.
In a message to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere, Mr. Trump said that not being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize makes him no longer obligated to only think about peace, although he still considers it a priority.
The Norwegian government has published these messages. Previously, Mr. Stoere and Finnish President Alexander Stubb called for de-escalation. The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to Ms. Maria Corina Machado, leader of the Venezuelan opposition, instead of Mr. Trump, which is said to disappoint him.
In the message, Mr. Trump reiterated the accusation that Denmark is not capable of protecting Greenland from Russia and China, questioning "ownership" and saying that the world will not be safe if the US does not completely control the island.
He also announced the gradual increase in tariffs on many EU countries and the UK and Norway until the US is allowed to buy Greenland.
The European side strongly opposed it. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen affirmed that it is impossible to "trade people". Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen emphasized the right to self-determination and respect for international law.
EU leaders are expected to discuss retaliation options, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for calm dialogue. Russia declined to comment on the US move, but said it is a major controversial issue in world history.
