US aspirations for Greenland pose problem for all of Europe: former Slovak PM

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US aspirations for Greenland pose problem for all of Europe: former Slovak PM

2026-02-05 16:32 Last Updated At：02-06 13:11

The United States' aspirations for Greenland, the world's largest island, blatantly violate international law and undermine Denmark's sovereignty, further exposing the hegemonic logic that the U.S. has always pursued, said former Slovak Prime Minister Jan Carnogursky.

In an interview with the China Media Group (CMG), Carnogursky expressed concern over the U.S.'s ambitions regarding Greenland. He said that through political, economic and even military means, the U.S. is coercing Denmark into concessions, once again revealing the true nature of the country's approach to foreign relations as one that disregards international law and pursues hegemonism.

"The U.S.'s actions of pressuring and threatening Denmark with force actually violate international law. Unfortunately, this reflects the current state of compliance with international law in today's world. The U.S. approach is not only directed at Denmark but also applies to any other country that attempts to resist it," he said.

Carnogursky said that the U.S., under the guise of so-called security, pressures its allies in an attempt to seize strategic and economic interests. Denmark's predicament exposes the vulnerabilities of Europe itself, he added.

"Due to its inexpedient policies, Europe has long been unable to achieve defensive autonomy and has relied on the U.S. for protection. Therefore, when the U.S. suddenly makes claim to Greenland, Europe has no choice but to concede and will likely make even more concessions. This is not just a problem for Denmark," Carnogursky said.

Greenland, primarily located within the Arctic Circle, is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with Copenhagen retaining control over defense and foreign policy. Since returning to office in 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to "obtain" Greenland, sparking strong opposition across Europe.

In December last year, Trump announced the appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the U.S. special envoy to Greenland, renewing diplomatic tension between Washington and the Danish Realm.

According to a report released by a Danish intelligence agency in December 2025, Denmark has for the first time labeled the U.S. as a potential security concern.

A poll released by Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR) on Tuesday showed that up to 60 percent of respondents described the U.S. as an adversary, while only 17 percent considered it still an ally.

Rising energy costs squeeze Polish households, businesses

Polish citizens are feeling the squeeze of surging energy costs, as the conflict in the Middle East continues to roil the international energy market,

In Poland, rising fuel prices are gradually making their way into everyday life and the real economy. Many residents said higher energy costs are taking a heavy toll.

"I do think about this issue more and try to reduce my fuel consumption. Overall, everything happening right now is unsettling," said Pawel, a Warsaw resident.

"I really feel it. Prices have gone up a lot. We're trying to cope and can manage for now. Taxi fares haven't increased yet, but it's definitely getting harder," said Wiktor, another resident.

"Of course it has affected us. Because fuel prices have gone up, everything else is more expensive and costs more now," said Anita, another local resident.

Meanwhile, those working in the transport and service sectors said rising oil prices are directly impacting their businesses.

"The courier industry, like most taxi drivers, is soon going to face closure and be forced out of business. I used to drive international long-distance buses, and honestly, some people in that sector are also thinking about quitting," said Michal, another Warsaw resident.

Lukasz Goczek, a professor from the Department of Macroeconomics and Theory of Foreign Trade at the University of Warsaw, said the continued shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor, could leave global energy prices elevated for a long time, heavily impacting the world economy.

"Iran has this huge leverage. It's got the whole world in a chokehold because 20 percent of oil that's transported in the world goes through the Strait. It obviously means that the price of energy is going to increase. We see it at the petrol stations," said Goczek.

Goczek also noted that U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran have dealt a serious blow to the international order.

"I think that's pretty much, by now, the international law. If it's not that, it's definitely very, very illegal. There wasn't any reason for war. It just straightforwardly began without any warning. So it was much of a surprise. We need the international order to have peace, to prosper, to have trade," said Goczek.