In a significant escalation of Arctic security measures, several European nations have begun deploying troops to Greenland. This move comes directly in response to former US President Donald Trump's reiterated threats to acquire the vast, autonomous Danish territory.
Nato's 'Common Concern' in the Arctic
The Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, stated on Thursday that Greenland's defence is a "common concern" for the entire Nato alliance. Her declaration coincided with the arrival of military personnel from France, Germany, Norway, and Sweden. Denmark itself announced it would be increasing its own military footprint on the island.
Frederiksen confirmed the deployments followed a difficult meeting in Washington on Wednesday. The foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland, Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Vivian Motzfeldt, met with US Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The aim was to smooth relations, but the outcome was starkly different.
"It was not an easy meeting," Frederiksen said, adding that a working group would be established to discuss Arctic security. However, she emphasised that "the American ambition to take over Greenland is intact", calling the situation "obviously serious".
European Allies Answer the Call
The French President, Emmanuel Macron, announced that the first members of the French military were "already en route" to Greenland, with more to follow. Authorities noted about 15 French soldiers from a mountain infantry unit were already in Nuuk, the capital, for an exercise.
Similarly, Germany confirmed on Thursday it would deploy a reconnaissance team of 13 personnel. These movements underscore a coordinated European effort to bolster Greenland's security posture. Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen outlined plans for "a more permanent military presence" with a larger Danish contribution, supported by rotating personnel from multiple Nato countries.
Trump's Unwavering Stance
Following the Washington talks, Donald Trump was unequivocal. He stated the US "needs" Greenland for national security, arguing that Denmark could not protect it. "If we don't go in, Russia is going to go in and China is going to go in," Trump claimed. "And there's not a thing Denmark can do about it, but we can do everything about it."
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen concurred that a "fundamental disagreement" persists, noting it remains clear the former president "has this wish of conquering over Greenland".
The prime minister concluded that Nato agrees a strengthened Arctic presence is crucial for transatlantic security. With European troops now arriving, the alliance is translating that consensus into a tangible, strategic response to safeguard Greenland's future.
