Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ian Borg has defended the Maltese government's cautious approach in response to statements by US President Donald Trump about taking control of Greenland, arguing that the issue primarily concerns NATO countries and falls outside Malta's military remit.

Borg questioned whether Malta should be expected to issue an early, standalone statement on a matter linked to NATO when the country has chosen a policy of military neutrality. He noted that even NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has not yet taken a formal position.

"To what extent should Malta be the first to issue a statement when Malta chooses to stay out of NATO, and when the issue concerns NATO countries?" Borg said when asked on Monday. While acknowledging he holds personal views on the matter, he said it would be inappropriate to express them in his role as foreign minister. "If I were a former minister, I would tell you what I personally think. But I am the minister, and I choose to be responsible."

Responding to criticism that Malta waits for Brussels before acting, Borg pointed to the country's role in shaping EU foreign policy. He cited Malta's participation in a joint declaration by 26 countries on Venezuela as an example of how it contributes to collective positions rather than simply following them.

"Malta does not wait for the EU to issue a statement and then make it its own," he said. "Malta contributes as one of the 27 member states for the EU to issue its position."

On Greenland, Borg said discussions have been ongoing within the EU for years and that statements were issued as recently as 2025, well before Trump's latest remarks. He insisted there was no question about Malta's commitment to EU unity, adding that foreign ministers are currently working towards a common position.

"When a position is decided, the Maltese state will issue its statement," he said.

Borg was also asked about his earlier support for Trump's nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. He said the nomination was made during his time as chair of the OSCE and was based on the role of the US in helping broker peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia, but he did not clarify whether he still stood by it.

Trump has recently renewed his threats to take over Greenland from Denmark, even hinting at military action. He has ridiculed Greenland's defence capabilities and claimed that without US control, the territory would be vulnerable to Russian and Chinese influence.