Germany and France have announced plans to deploy troops to Greenland, amidst escalating tensions regarding control over the Arctic island. The decision follows increasing rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has expressed intentions to assert U.S. authority over Greenland, claiming its strategic importance for national security.
The German Defence Ministry confirmed that a reconnaissance team consisting of 13 members from the Bundeswehr will be sent to Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, starting Thursday. This deployment comes at the invitation of Denmark, as part of a mission designed to evaluate the conditions for potential military support to bolster security in the region.
In a related development, France, recognized as the only nuclear power in the European Union, also stated its intention to send troops to Greenland. This announcement followed high-stakes discussions among U.S., Danish, and Greenlandic officials in Washington, where strategic interests in the Arctic were prominently addressed.
Trump’s assertion of interest in Greenland was reiterated following his meeting with prominent U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen remarked that it has become “clear” that Trump desires to take control of Greenland, describing this ambition as “absolutely not necessary.”
Additionally, Sweden has expressed its commitment to join the European military efforts in Greenland, reflecting a broader European response to U.S. assertiveness in the Arctic region. These developments signify a significant shift in geopolitical dynamics, as European nations bolster their military presence in response to perceived threats and the strategic importance of Greenland.
