Mette Frederiksen

Force in Play

Leading Denmark's response to the incursions

For most of two years, drones kept appearing over European airports and military bases. Flights stopped. Fighter jets scrambled. Nobody could prove who sent them. On July 2, 2026, a London defense think tank said it now can: Russia, launching many of the drones from tankers in its covert 'shadow fleet.'

Updated Jul 2

Rule Changes

Submitted government resignation; seeking to form new coalition

Denmark's Social Democrats have been the country's dominant political force for a century, holding more parliamentary seats than any other party for 77 consecutive years starting in the 1920s. On Tuesday, the party posted its worst result since 1903: just 38 of 179 Folketing seats, down from 50.

Updated May 30

Rule Changes

Managing Greenland sovereignty crisis with US

For seventy-five years, the transatlantic alliance operated on a simple premise: America leads, Europe follows, and collective defense binds them together. That arrangement is being renegotiated: at the Munich Security Conference on February 13, 2026, European leaders gather not to coordinate with Washington but to assess how much they can still count on it.

Updated May 29

Force in Play

Coordinating European response to U.S. pressure

The United States has operated military bases in Greenland since 1941, under agreements with Denmark. On January 15, 2026, NATO allies deployed troops to the island to counter U.S. pressure after American-Danish talks collapsed. On January 17, President Trump announced 10% tariffs on eight European countries: Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The tariffs will rise to 25% by June unless 'a deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.' On January 20, Trump declared on Truth Social that 'there can be no going back' on Greenland, calling it 'imperative for National and World Security.' That same day, Denmark deployed its Army Chief, General Peter Boysen, alongside 58 additional troops to Greenland, bringing total Danish military presence to approximately 178 personnel for Operation Arctic Endurance.

Updated May 21

Force in Play

Leading Danish resistance to acquisition

The United States has not acquired sovereign territory since 1917, when it purchased the Virgin Islands from Denmark for $25 million. On January 17, President Trump announced 10% tariffs on eight European nations starting February 1, escalating to 25% by June 1 unless a deal is reached for Greenland.

Updated May 21

Force in Play

Warning 'world order as we know it is over' while pursuing dual-track diplomacy and military buildup

President Trump reversed his tariff threats and ruled out military force on January 21 after announcing a "framework" with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. The framework covers Arctic security cooperation, U.S. access to Greenland's rare earth minerals (1.5 million metric tons—the world's eighth-largest reserves), and Trump's "Golden Dome" missile defense system ($175-831 billion shield against hypersonic threats).

Updated May 16