Dutch Premier-Designate Rob Jetten Calls Trump's Greenland Push a 'Wake-Up Call' for Europe

Rob Jetten, the leader of the centrist D66 party who is poised to become the Netherlands' next prime minister, said Friday that U.S. President Donald Trump's renewed interest in Greenland should serve as a "wake-up call" for Europe at a tense geopolitical moment.

Jetten argued that European nations must deepen their cooperation to protect security and economic prosperity rather than rely primarily on Washington. He said strengthening continental collaboration will help guarantee stability for European citizens while still maintaining pragmatic ties with the United States.

Stronger Europe, Continued Cooperation With the U.S.

"We can continue talking and complaining about the U.S., but what we should do instead is make sure that the European cooperation is strengthened — that we can guarantee security and prosperity for our own citizens," Jetten told The Associated Press.

He said one of his first priorities after taking office will be to consult with counterparts across Europe to determine how the Netherlands can help strengthen the EU’s collective capacity on defense, economic resilience and strategic autonomy. At the same time, Jetten emphasized he intends to cooperate closely with Washington on security issues, support for Ukraine and economic ties, noting the deep interdependence between the Dutch and American economies.

Context: Greenland, Tariffs And Geopolitics

Trump has argued that Greenland — a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark and a NATO partner — has strategic value in countering perceived threats from Russia and China. In recent weeks he dropped threatened tariffs he had floated as leverage in discussions related to Greenland, including tariffs that would have affected eight European countries, among them the Netherlands.

Coalition Blueprint And Domestic Politics

Jetten was speaking after presenting a policy blueprint alongside leaders of two other parties that will form a minority coalition following elections three months ago. The plan calls for billions in additional defense spending and continued support for Kyiv as Russia's war in Ukraine continues.

The incoming coalition controls only 66 of the 150 seats in the lower house of parliament, meaning it will have to secure support from other parties and blocs for every piece of legislation. The lower house currently contains 16 parties and alliances, making governing by consensus a practical necessity.

"The task before us is enormous, but the Netherlands has become great through collaboration," Jetten said. "Our history shows that progress is not achieved alone, but created together."

Political Landscape And Challenges Ahead

The coalition pairs Jetten's D66 with the Christian Democratic Appeal and the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). At age 38, Jetten would be the Netherlands' youngest prime minister and the first openly gay person to hold the office, with a swearing-in expected in late February.

Jesse Klaver, leader of the center-left Green Left–Labor Party (which holds 20 seats), called the minority coalition a "risky experiment" but has pledged a policy of "responsible opposition" — offering support for measures he sees as advancing the country's interest. Klaver warned, however, that any cooperation will require the coalition to present plans that are more social and environmentally focused.

The far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), led by Geert Wilders, has vowed not to support the coalition. Earlier this month the PVV suffered a split when seven of its elected MPs broke away to form a new parliamentary bloc, citing dissatisfaction with Wilders' leadership style.