Danish soldiers must open fire even without orders if US troops were to try and capture Greenland by force, according to a 1952 directive that Denmark’s Defence Ministry confirmed remains in place.
– The standing order requires Danish military personnel to “immediately take up the fight” against any attack on Danish territory without waiting for commands, even if commanders are unaware of a declaration of war, the Defence Command and Ministry told
– The directive has gained attention after US President Donald Trump repeatedly threatened to take control of Greenland by force if necessary, describing the Arctic territory as vital to American national security.
– Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said this week that a military attempt at taking Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, would mark the end of NATO.
– “If the United States chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops,” Frederiksen told.
– “That is, including our NATO and thus the security that has been provided since the end of World War II.”
– The 1952 order states that attacking forces must respond without hesitation or seek authorisation.
– The Defence Ministry confirmed to Berlingske that the directive “remains in force.
– The Arctic Command, Denmark’s military authority in Greenland, would assess whether any situation constitutes an attack.
– The directive was created following Nazi Germany’s attack on Denmark in April 1940, when communications partially collapsed and many military units did not know how to respond.
– The order ensures military forces engage in combat upon attack without requiring specific commands.
– Denmark has welcomed a meeting with the US next week to discuss Trump’s renewed push for Greenland to come under US control.
– “This is the dialogue that is needed, as requested by the government together with the Greenlandic government,” Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen told.
– Greenland will participate in the meeting between Denmark and the US announced by Rubio.
– “Nothing about Greenland without Greenland. Of course we will be there. We are the ones who requested the meeting,” Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt told.
https://www.euronews.com/2026/01/08/danish-soldiers-would-shoot-back-if-invaded-government-confirms