Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that Greenland’s defense is a “common concern” for all of NATO, as troops from across Europe began arriving following Donald Trump’s threats to seize the Arctic island by force.
On Thursday, troops from countries including France, Germany, Norway, and Sweden were en route to Greenland, a largely self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Denmark also announced plans to increase its military presence there.
This mobilization comes after a tense meeting in Washington on Wednesday between Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, U.S. Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The meeting aimed to ease tensions but did not appear successful. Afterwards, Trump repeated his earlier claims that the U.S. “needs” Greenland for national security, asserting that Denmark cannot protect the island and that “something will work out.”
In a statement on Thursday, Frederiksen described the meeting as “not an easy” one and said a working group is being formed to discuss enhancing Arctic security. “However, that does not change the fact that there is a fundamental disagreement because the American ambition to take over Greenland is intact,” she added. “This is obviously serious, and therefore we continue our efforts to prevent that scenario from becoming a reality.”
She noted there is agreement within NATO that “a strengthened presence in the Arctic is crucial for European and North American security.” Frederiksen highlighted Denmark’s significant investments in new Arctic capabilities and mentioned that “a number of allies” are participating in joint exercises “in and around” Greenland. “The defence and protection of Greenland is a common concern for the entire NATO alliance,” she said.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Wednesday that the first French military personnel were “already en route,” with more to follow. French authorities said about 15 soldiers from a mountain infantry unit were already in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, for an exercise. Germany also stated on Thursday it would send a 13-member reconnaissance team to Greenland.
Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said he plans to establish “a more permanent military presence” on Greenland “with a larger Danish contribution,” adding that personnel from multiple NATO countries would rotate through the territory.
Following the high-stakes meeting in Washington, Foreign Minister Løkke Rasmussen said a “fundamental disagreement” over Greenland persists, noting it remains “clear that the president has this wish of conquering Greenland.”
Trump insisted, “We really need it,” and warned, “If we don’t go in, Russia is going to go in and China is going to go in. And there’s not a thing Denmark can do about it, but we can do everything about it.”
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs NATO Greenlands Security and European Forces
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What does it mean that Greenlands security is a shared priority for NATO
It means that protecting Greenland is considered a vital collective defense interest for all 32 NATO member countries not just Denmark An attack on or threat to Greenland would be treated as a concern for the entire alliance
2 Why is Greenlands security so important to NATO
Greenland holds immense strategic value due to its location in the North Atlantic and the Arctic Its crucial for monitoring air and sea approaches between North America and Europe and its vast territory contains critical mineral resources and is affected by changing Arctic security dynamics
3 Who is sending European forces to Greenland and why now
Forces from various NATO European allies are participating in exercises and deployments This increased activity is a response to growing geopolitical competition in the Arctic increased Russian military presence and activity in the region and the need to demonstrate alliance solidarity and readiness
4 Doesnt Greenland belong to Denmark Why is NATO involved
Yes Greenland is a selfgoverning territory within the Kingdom of Denmark Denmark is a founding NATO member Therefore Greenlands defense is ultimately Denmarks responsibility but through NATO allies collectively contribute to and reinforce that defense sharing the burden
Advanced Practical Questions
5 What specific European forces are arriving and what will they be doing
This typically involves air surveillance units naval patrols and specialized coldweather army units for training exercises Their activities focus on domain awareness search and rescue training and practicing interoperability in harsh Arctic conditions
6 How does this affect the local population in Greenland
The impact is mixed It can bring economic activity and improved infrastructure like port or airfield upgrades However it also raises concerns about sovereignty environmental impact and the potential for Greenland to become a geopolitical flashpoint The local government seeks a balance between security and its own autonomy
7 Is this move primarily about Russia or also about China
While the immediate military focus is countering Russian Arctic militarization the longterm strategic view also considers Chinas declared NearArctic State status and its significant economic interests in Greenlands resources Strengthening NATOs presence helps deter influence from any competitor
