Nationwide — Several European NATO allies are sending troops to Greenland as tensions rise over repeated U.S. threats to take control of the Arctic island. The move shows support for Denmark and exposes a growing strain inside the NATO alliance.
As U.S. President Donald Trump continues to speak openly about annexing Greenland, European leaders have moved quickly to respond. Denmark, which oversees Greenland’s defense, warned that any attack would seriously damage NATO and announced plans to strengthen its military presence with help from allies.
Germany, Sweden, France, and Norway confirmed they are deploying small military teams to Greenland this week, according to CNN. The troops will take part in joint exercises with Danish forces, officially described as training but announced amid rising political pressure from Washington.
France said its military personnel are already on the ground and will soon be reinforced with air, sea, and land units. Germany is sending a 13-member reconnaissance team, while Sweden and Norway are contributing officers to help prepare for a NATO exercise known as Operation Arctic Endurance.
Military exercises in the Arctic are not new, and NATO allies, including the U.S., have long pushed for more cooperation in the region. The U.S. already stations about 150 troops at Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland. Still, European officials see the latest deployments as symbolic given the unusual threat coming from within the alliance itself.
Trump has repeatedly said the U.S. will take Greenland “one way or another,” calling anything less than full control unacceptable. His remarks have alarmed European leaders, especially since Greenland is part of NATO through Denmark.
Recent diplomatic talks between Danish, Greenlandic, and U.S. officials failed to ease tensions. While all sides agreed to form a working group, Danish officials admitted that deep disagreements remain.
Canada and France have also announced plans to open consulates in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk. The move adds diplomatic support to Greenland’s sovereignty and reinforces a broader push to protect security in the Arctic.