A survey conducted by YouGov shows that 46% of Danes consider the United States a significant threat to Denmark. At the same time, an overwhelming majority opposes the idea of Greenland becoming part of the USA.
The study published by The Guardian comes against the backdrop of increasing tensions between Denmark, Greenland, and the USA, after Donald Trump reiterated his desire for control over the autonomous territory.
Greenland, with a population of 57,000 inhabitants, is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, which manages its foreign and security policy.
The survey, conducted between January 15 and 22 on a sample of over 1,000 people, shows that the negative perception of the USA is higher than that of North Korea (44%) or Iran (40%). However, Russia remains the main threat, with 86% of respondents considering Moscow a danger.
Regarding the future of Greenland, 78% of Danes oppose the sale to the USA, but 72% believe that the decision should belong exclusively to Greenland, not Denmark.
At the beginning of this year, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen conducted a diplomatic tour in Berlin, Paris, and Brussels to strengthen European support in the face of American pressures.
Trump argued that the USA needs control over Greenland and the Panama Canal for "economic security" and described the acquisition of the territory as "an absolute necessity." In the past, the former president confirmed that he had asked his advisors to explore the possibility of buying the island, which he sees as "a great real estate deal."
In another recent survey, 85% of Greenlanders declared themselves against the idea of becoming part of the USA, with only 6% in favor.
Global interest in Greenland has increased due to its natural resources essential for green technologies, attracting attention also from China.