The resurgence of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to purchase Greenland is drawing sharp criticism from within Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD), with accusations leveled at Washington for undermining international law. Adis Ahmetovic, the SPD parliamentary group’s spokesperson for foreign policy, condemned Trump’s renewed interest in the Arctic island as a “further attempt to hollow out international law” according to a statement released to German newspaper “Welt”.
Ahmetovic underscored the inviolability of Danish sovereignty and the self-determination rights of Greenland’s inhabitants, asserting that such territorial ambitions represent a direct contradiction to the fundamental principles governing the international order. His remarks come after Trump recently appointed a U.S. special envoy to Greenland, signaling a renewed push for the controversial proposal initially floated in 2019.
The move and Trump’s continued pursuit of the initiative, are raising concerns about the potential erosion of established norms surrounding territorial integrity, particularly at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in the Arctic. Critics suggest the proposal, regardless of its feasibility, represents a problematic assertion of American influence and a disregard for the established legal frameworks that underpin relations between nations.
Beyond the immediate legal implications, some analysts interpret the actions as symptomatic of a broader trend of prioritizing unilateral objectives over multilateral agreements, potentially destabilizing international cooperation on crucial issues like climate change and Arctic resource management. The SPD’s strong statement reflects a growing unease within Europe regarding the implications of such assertive displays of national ambition, particularly from a key strategic ally. It signals a preference for a steadfast commitment to upholding international law and respecting the sovereignty of nations, even those with whom diplomatic disagreements may arise.