BRUSSELS, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Denmark's territorial integrity and sovereignty, including over Greenland, must be preserved, an EU spokesperson said on Monday, when asked about the U.S. appointment of a special envoy to Greenland.

"Preserving the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark, its sovereignty and the inviolability of its borders is essential for the European Union (EU)," EU Foreign Affairs spokesperson Anouar El Anouni told a press conference, adding that the bloc's stance is grounded in a long-standing position on the issue.

On Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland. Landry thanked Trump on X on Monday, saying, "It's an honor to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the U.S."

The move added to strained relations between the United States and leaders in Denmark and Greenland. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen on Monday said he will summon U.S. Ambassador Ken Howery for talks following the appointment. Enditem