NATO allies step up their presence
Military personnel from several European countries have begun arriving in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, as part of a short-term reconnaissance and training mission. France, Germany, Sweden and Norway are among the nations contributing forces, with officials describing the deployment as a routine effort to strengthen security cooperation in the Arctic. More troops, aircraft and naval assets are expected to follow in the coming days as exercises expand.
Talks in Washington fail to ease tensions
The troop movements came shortly after meetings in Washington between US officials and representatives from Denmark and Greenland. Those talks ended without agreement, highlighting what Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen described as a fundamental divide over Greenland’s future. He reiterated that a US takeover of the island was “absolutely not necessary,” even as he acknowledged that the American position had not shifted.
The White House made clear that the European deployments would not affect President Donald Trump’s thinking. US officials said the presence of allied troops does not alter his view that Greenland is vital to American interests.
Strategic stakes in the Arctic
Greenland’s vast territory, rich natural resources and strategic location have made it a focal point of growing competition in the Arctic. The United States argues the island is critical to its security, particularly amid concerns about Russia and China increasing their influence in the region. European governments, however, frame their involvement as a commitment to collective defence and NATO cooperation, rather than support for any change in sovereignty.
French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to reinforce France’s initial presence with additional land, air and sea forces, while Greenlandic leaders have warned residents to expect increased military activity as training continues. The Netherlands and Estonia have also announced plans to take part, with Estonian officials saying they are ready to deploy troops if asked.
President Trump has struck a slightly more conciliatory tone in recent remarks, saying he has a good relationship with Denmark and expressing confidence that “something will work out,” while still refusing to rule out any options. For Denmark and Greenland, the challenge remains balancing allied security cooperation with firm opposition to any transfer of control over the Arctic island.
