NATO members are reportedly discussing a joint mission to dissuade Donald Trump from seeking US sovereignty over Greenland. Sources cited by Der Spiegel suggest that Germany is considering pledging troops to such an initiative, led by European NATO members, aiming to de-escalate tensions following President Trump’s push for control of the Danish island.
Trump has framed his bid for Greenland as a national security issue, citing potential Arctic influence amid competition with Russia and China. The island’s rich mineral resources, increasingly accessible due to climate change, also factor into this decision. However, Trump’s threats of military force and economic coercion against NATO ally Denmark have raised concerns.
EU leaders and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte have discussed bolstering NATO’s presence in Greenland to counter Trump’s pressure, according to Der Spiegel. While publicly emphasizing collective geopolitical challenge addressing, privately they explore enhancing their role in the region.
Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, chairperson of Germany’s parliamentary defense committee, supports deploying troops to Denmark as a signal that the US cannot claim sole rights over Greenland. Conversely, German MEP Hannah Neumann dismisses this proposal as an irrational response to Trump’s fantasies and not worth serious consideration.
Copenhagen has no intention of relinquishing sovereignty over Greenland. A recent opinion poll indicates only 6% of residents favor joining the US. Danish initiatives to promote Greenlandic identity and ban foreign political donations related to the island have been announced amidst escalating tensions.
While Moscow hasn’t taken a side in the sovereignty debate, Russian officials express concern about implications for national security. Russia’s ambassador to Denmark, Vladimir Barbin, notes that any changes in Greenland’s status could impact regional stability and security.