Meeting with Business Leaders

COPENHAGEN (Reuters) – Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called business leaders to a meeting on Thursday following U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s refusal to rule out military or economic action regarding Greenland.

Trump labeled it an “absolute necessity” for the U.S. to take control of Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, hinting at possible tariffs if his offer to purchase the Arctic island is resisted.

In a 45-minute phone conversation on Wednesday, Frederiksen told Trump the future of Greenland is for its people to decide, and Denmark is ready to enhance security in the Arctic. She highlighted that Danish businesses contribute significantly to job creation and growth in the U.S., underscoring the mutual interest in increasing trade between the EU and the U.S.

Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen, CEO of Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO), is set to participate in the meeting. Denmark hosts other major global companies like brewer Carlsberg (CSE:CARLb), toy manufacturer Lego, jewelry maker Pandora (OTC:PANDY), and wind turbine manufacturer Vestas.

Minister for Trade and Industry Morten Bodskov emphasized the importance of maintaining a constructive dialogue with the Danish business community, especially amid geopolitical tensions.

The ministry did not disclose the meeting’s timing or the list of invitees. Following Frederiksen’s conversation with Trump, Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen convened members of the foreign policy committee on Thursday.