BRUSSELS

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday emphasized that Arctic security remains a key priority for Europe, underlining that Greenland, as part of Denmark, is a NATO member.

"Arctic security remains a key priority for Europe," Merz wrote on US social media platform X, highlighting that Denmark, including Greenland, is part of NATO.

"Security in the Arctic must be ensured collectively, in conjunction with allies including the United States," he added, noting that Greenland belongs to its people.

His comments come amid renewed US interest in Greenland, following President Donald Trump's repeated proposals to acquire the island for strategic purposes.

A day after the US military operation in Venezuela that captured President Nicolas Maduro, Trump on Sunday renewed his call for an American takeover of Greenland for the sake of US security interests.

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has urged Trump to "stop the threats."

Several European countries, as well as the EU, voiced strong support for Denmark and Greenland, rejecting any suggestion that the island's future could be decided by outside powers and stressing respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.