U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), who serve as Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Senate NATO Observer Group, released a statement on Tuesday addressing U.S. relations with Denmark and Greenland’s sovereignty.
The senators highlighted Denmark’s longstanding alliance with the United States, noting its support in various conflicts and its prompt action after the September 11 attacks when NATO invoked Article 5. “Denmark is one of our oldest and most reliable allies. Danish troops have fought and died alongside Americans in numerous conflicts, and Denmark was among the first to stand with us when NATO invoked Article 5 following the 9/11 attacks. Today, Denmark is significantly increasing its defense spending and remains a critical partner in Arctic security. This is an ally that has earned our unwavering respect.”
They also emphasized respect for Denmark’s territorial integrity, particularly regarding Greenland: “When Denmark and Greenland make it clear that Greenland is not for sale, the United States must honor its treaty obligations and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark. Any suggestion that our nation would subject a fellow NATO ally to coercion or external pressure undermines the very principles of self-determination that our Alliance exists to defend.”
Shaheen and Tillis addressed broader security concerns by pointing to ongoing conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, as well as challenges from Russia and China in both the Arctic region and Indo-Pacific area. They called for unity within NATO: “With an active war in Ukraine and rising threats from Russia and China in the Arctic and Indo-Pacific, we cannot afford distractions or divisions within NATO. The strength of the transatlantic community lies in its unity, built on mutual respect rather than transactional rhetoric. Our alliances deter aggressors and share the burden of collective defense. We must stay focused on the real threats before us and work with our allies, not against them, to advance our shared security. As we confront the challenges of the 21st century, we do so alongside allies like Denmark who stand with us by choice, not by compulsion.”
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee plays a central role in shaping U.S. foreign policy through oversight of treaties, legislation, international relations matters since its establishment as one of the original standing committees in 1816 (official website). The committee assigns leadership roles such as Chairman for majority members and Ranking Member for minority members (official website).
Historically, this committee has influenced major decisions including support for initiatives like the Truman Doctrine (1947) and Marshall Plan (1948), while also rejecting significant agreements such as the Treaty of Versailles after World War I (official website).
As global tensions persist, statements like those from Senators Shaheen and Tillis underscore ongoing efforts within Congress to reinforce U.S. alliances abroad.
