Mayors and Independents urge to join European countries defending Greenland

The Mayors and Independents party (STAN) has called on the Czech government to join an initiative by seven European countries defending Greenland.

Former minister for European affairs Martin Dvořák said backing the joint statement would be the right step, a view also shared by President Petr Pavel. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, however, said dialogue was more important than declarations.

In their joint statement, the seven European leaders said Greenland belongs to its people and that only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters affecting their relationship. The declaration followed comments by US President Donald Trump about the United States wanting Greenland.

The leaders also said security in the Arctic must be ensured collectively, in cooperation with NATO allies, including the United States.