Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 February 2026
139. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Government will actively support Denmark and the authorities in Greenland to defend the sovereignty of their country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1814/26]
View answerIreland and other EU Member States stand fully behind Denmark and Greenland on this issue and have been proactive and public in our support. The Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, myself and my colleague Minister Thomas Byrne have all issued statements underlining our steadfast solidarity with Denmark and Greenland. These statements have been welcomed by both Denmark and Greenland.
The Government has been crystal clear that the future of Greenland is a matter to be determined by Denmark and by the Greenlandic people, in line with well-established democratic principles and international law. Peace and security depend on all UN Member States abiding by the fundamental principles of the UN Charter. The territorial integrity and sovereignty of other States is non-negotiable, and we have been unambiguous in our position on this. We have been consistent in our approach to emphasise the need for dialogue and de-escalation.
There has also been a strong display of unity among EU Member States on the principles of international law, territorial integrity and sovereignty, in solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland, and with the six EU Member States who were threatened with increased tariffs from the US. We stood united against the threats of unjust tariffs and I believe that this unity proved important in finding a resolution.
The EU is continuing, in a prudent manner, to internally prepare appropriate responses in case they are needed in the future. We remain vigilant against the possibility of future escalation and as such, I, my colleague Minister Byrne, and officials in my Department will continue to engage closely with our Danish counterparts and European partners.
