Seven European countries have deployed military personnel to Greenland to take part in an intelligence mission aimed at strengthening security in the Arctic region.
According to Reuters, France sent the largest contingent, consisting of 15 service members. Germany deployed 13 troops, Sweden sent three officers, Finland and Norway dispatched two each, while the United Kingdom and the Netherlands each sent one. The first group of troops arrived in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, on January 14 aboard a Danish Air Force aircraft.
The following day, a German contingent joined them. Berlin had previously stated that its mission would run from January 15 to 17. The duration of deployment for troops from the other countries has not been specified.
As reported by Meduza, European states sent their personnel to assist Denmark — which governs the island — in preparing for large-scale military exercises scheduled for late 2026.
Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said it remains unclear how much NATO’s presence in Greenland may expand. However, he emphasized the importance of being able to plan for a more permanent and substantial NATO presence in 2026 in order to demonstrate the significance of Arctic security for the entire alliance.
Meanwhile, the White House stated that the arrival of European troops would not affect U.S. President Donald Trump’s plans regarding Greenland. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on January 15 that the presence of European forces would not alter either the decision-making process or Trump’s objective of gaining control over the island.
The deployment of European troops coincided with talks between representatives of the United States, Denmark, and Greenland, which took place in Washington on January 14. The White House described the meeting as productive, but Danish authorities acknowledged that they were unable to persuade Trump to abandon his plans for Greenland.
Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that Greenland is of strategic importance to U.S. and European national security, citing concerns over a potential increase in Russian or Chinese influence in the region. The White House has also indicated that the U.S. president is considering various options to establish control over Greenland, including the use of force.
