Germany is leading efforts to establish a new NATO mission in the Arctic, a strategic move designed to dissuade former US President Donald Trump from pursuing his stated ambition to acquire Greenland. This development follows Trump's recent comments, in which he cited the island's location, mineral wealth, and increased Russian and Chinese military activity as reasons for US control, and notably did not rule out using force to achieve it.
Europe's Coordinated Response to US Threats
Trump's warnings have sparked significant alarm across European capitals, a concern amplified by last week's US military action in Venezuela. In response, the United Kingdom has reportedly engaged in discussions with European allies about deploying a joint military force to the region.
The proposed NATO mission, tentatively named 'Arctic Sentry', would focus on monitoring threats in the High North. It is modelled on the alliance's existing 'Baltic Sentry' operation, initiated last year to boost surveillance of shipping in the Baltic Sea. Plans, still in their formative stages, could involve the deployment of British troops, aircraft, and warships to help guard the Danish territory.
Diplomatic Tensions and the Defence of Sovereignty
Speaking on Sunday, Germany's Vice-Chancellor, Lars Klingbeil, urged the United States to respect international law. "It is solely a matter for Denmark and Greenland to decide on the future of Greenland," he stated. "Territorial sovereignty and integrity must be respected. These principles of international law apply to everyone – including the United States."
Klingbeil emphasised that NATO allies are working together to enhance Arctic security, not against each other. He is soon expected to travel to Washington for a G7 finance ministers' meeting. Concurrently, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to hold talks with Denmark regarding Greenland this week.
Trump has persistently justified his interest in Greenland on security grounds, claiming that if the US does not act, the island will be seized by China or Russia. He has asserted that Greenland is "covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place".
Denmark and Greenland Push Back
Danish officials have firmly rejected this characterisation. Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen countered earlier this week, saying, "The image that's being painted of Russian and Chinese ships right inside the Nuuk fjord and massive Chinese investments being made is not correct." Data from MarineTraffic and LSEG vessel tracking has shown no Russian or Chinese presence in the area.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the situation as a 'decisive moment' in her country's diplomatic dispute with the US. On Facebook, she added that Denmark is "ready to defend our values – wherever it is necessary – also in the Arctic."
Greenland, with a population of approximately 57,000, possesses vast natural resources including copper, nickel, and rare earth minerals, which has attracted the interest of global powers. The island's parliament is bringing forward a meeting to formulate a response to Trump's threats. In a powerful joint statement late on Friday, the leaders of all five political parties in Greenland's parliament declared: "We emphasise once again our desire for the US contempt for our country to end."
