European Military Presence in Greenland Amid US Interest

Fri Jan 16 2026 09:31:53 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A contingent of European military personnel has arrived in Greenland as President Trump emphasizes the strategic importance of the island, igniting geopolitical tensions in the Arctic.

A small French military unit, along with troops from several European nations, has landed in Greenland, coinciding with increasing US claims over the territory. The operation, part of a broader NATO position in the Arctic, underscores the rising competition for influence in the region, especially as Trump reaffirms the US's interest in Greenland for national security purposes.

A small French military contingent has arrived in Greenland's capital Nuuk, officials say, as several European states deploy small numbers in a so-called reconnaissance mission.

The limited deployment, which also involves Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, and the UK, comes as US President Donald Trump continues to press his claim to the Arctic island, which is a semi-autonomous part of Denmark.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the initial contingent would be reinforced soon with land, air, and sea assets.

Senior diplomat Olivier Poivre d'Arvor saw the mission as sending a strong political signal: This is a first exercise... we'll show the US that NATO is present.

Poivre d'Arvor said the initial French deployment involved 15 people, hours after Denmark and Greenland's foreign ministers travelled to Washington for a meeting with US Vice-President JD Vance on Wednesday.

Following the meeting, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said while the talks were constructive, there remained a fundamental disagreement between the two sides and later criticized Trump's bid to buy Greenland.

Trump doubled down on his bid to bring Greenland under US control, stating, we need Greenland for national security. He did not rule out the use of force, indicating a belief that negotiations with Denmark could yield results.

While White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt minimized the impact of European military presence on Trump's decisions regarding Greenland, Poland's Prime Minister warned that US military intervention could lead to larger political ramifications.

Russia's embassy in Belgium expressed serious concerns, accusing NATO of escalating tensions under the guise of military exercises.

Despite the symbolic significance of the European deployment involving only a few dozen personnel, NATO's enhanced presence around Greenland demonstrates collective concerns over security in the Arctic region amid rising geopolitical naratives.

Danish officials are advocating for a more permanent military presence in Greenland, stressing a mutual defense commitment among allies. The increasing presence may signal alertness to US policies and ambitions in the Arctic.

Greenland’s Prime Minister has affirmed that his territory prefers association with Denmark over any perceived relationship with the US, reiterating a desire for autonomy in geopolitical matters.