[T-A]

If you had read the article, you would know that

In 1979, Greenland achieved Home Rule, which included the formation of the Greenlandic Parliament, and it gained self-rule in 2009 through the passage of a law that included a ‘blueprint’ for seeking independence. The 2009 law firmly established that the decision to go for independence from Denmark would now rest with the Greenlandic people.

There is no doubt that the majority of Greenlanders want to use this option eventually. Polls show this. Independence has been accepted in Denmark as well. However, polls also consistently show that Greenlanders do not want independence if the price is the collapse of the Greenlandic welfare state.

[rvnx]

"If Greenland declares independence" -> "If Greenland unilaterally declares independence"

Of course, you can't do that, there are criminal consequence: yes you can get arrested for that. Like in any country.

There are even worse: financial consequences (600M USD lost per year!).

But what if a richer buddy offers you protection and more money ?

In that specific agreement:

> "The agreement on independence shall be endorsed by a referendum in Greenland. The agreement shall furthermore be subject to the consent of the Folketing [Danish Parliament]."

It's "yes, you can leave, but you need our permission".

Today, Danish parliament is not really happy at the idea of giving away Greenland to anyone.

https://www.euronews.com/2026/01/08/danish-soldiers-would-sh...

They won't shoot at the US, but they can repress protests if that gets too far.

[T-A]

1) They want a new source of funding, ideally one they develop on their own (e.g. a mining and refining industry), to maintain their welfare state. It's a preference of theirs, not something imposed on them by the evil Danes.

Finding a new "buddy" to replace Denmark makes no sense. Why would they want to swap their dependence on a country which likes its welfare state (and is demonstrably good at administering it) for one which takes a notoriously dim view on such things?

2) Greenland becoming independent implies changing the borders of the kingdom of Denmark. That obviously requires a decision by parliament, no way around it.

Anyone interested in the facts can see the law in question here:

https://www.lovtidende.dk/api/pdf/125052

It would obviously not exist if Denmark was hellbent on denying Greenland its independence. All it does is lay out an orderly and straightforward process for the transition.

[rvnx]

Factually, I agree with you on both points. Like from the rule of law perspective.

Statistically you are right, but in practice I would be cautious. I'm betting on the fact that a mad world is going to be even more mad (I couldn't imagine US threatening to invade Denmark... though I understand the US opportunity as well).

10 years ago I would totally agree with you.

So let's see.