European Nations Increase Military Presence in Greenland Amid US Claims

Thu Jan 15 2026 17:09:21 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

European military personnel, including a French contingent, have arrived in Nuuk, Greenland, amidst escalating tensions over US President Trump's assertions on the acquisition of the island.

In response to US President Donald Trump's claim to Greenland, European nations, including France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, and the UK, have deployed military personnel to Nuuk. This reconnaissance mission raises geopolitical stakes as Denmark's foreign ministers met with US officials, leading to criticisms about the US's approach. While the NATO's symbolically heavy military presence emphasizes European commitment to Arctic security, Denmark disputes the immediacy of threats in the region.

A 15-strong French military contingent has arrived in the Greenland capital Nuuk, as several European states send soldiers there as part of a so-called reconnaissance mission.

The deployment, which will also include personnel from Germany, Sweden, Norway, 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 stated that the initial troop deployment would be reinforced in the coming days with land, air, and sea assets.

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

The movement of military personnel follows a recent meeting between Denmark and Greenland's foreign ministers and US Vice-President JD Vance.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen characterized the talks as constructive but highlighted a fundamental disagreement regarding Trump's bid to purchase Greenland.

Trump has reiterated his interest, claiming, we need Greenland for national security. He suggested military intervention could be necessary if Russia or China sought to occupy the island.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned against US military intervention in Greenland, likening it to a political disaster.

Russia's embassy in Belgium voiced concerns about NATO's growing military presence in the Arctic, calling it a misrepresentation of threats from Moscow and Beijing.

Despite this deployment involving only a few dozen personnel, it underscores the European commitment to stability in the Arctic region amid mounting geopolitical tensions.

Danish defence officials confirmed an increased military presence in Greenland, emphasizing NATO's collective security objectives.