European countries are considering strengthening NATO’s military and security presence in the Arctic in an effort to ease tensions with US President Donald Trump and counter his calls for American control over Greenland, according to reports.
Politico reported on Friday that European officials believe a stronger NATO posture in the Arctic could reassure Washington that US national security interests can be protected without the United States owning Greenland.
Earlier this month, Trump told The Atlantic magazine that the US “absolutely” needed Greenland, claiming the island was surrounded by Russian and Chinese ships. His remarks prompted concern in Europe, with Mette Frederiksen urging him to stop making threats related to the annexation of the territory.
According to three NATO diplomats cited by Politico, ambassadors from the 32-member alliance agreed during a closed-door meeting in Brussels on Thursday that NATO’s presence in the Arctic should be reinforced. European representatives reportedly see compromise with Trump as the preferred and most practical option.
Discussions included proposals to improve intelligence and surveillance capabilities, increase defense spending focused on Arctic security, deploy additional military equipment, and expand NATO exercises in and around the region. One diplomatic source described the talks as productive and constructive.
Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland’s strategic location makes it vital to US national security and the defense of what he calls the “free world,” particularly against China and Russia. Greenlandic leaders have firmly rejected the idea, with former prime minister Mute Egede stating that the island is not for sale.
Tensions escalated further after Katie Miller, the wife of White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, posted an image on social media platform X showing Greenland colored with the US flag and captioned “SOON.” The post drew criticism from Denmark, with Ambassador Jesper Moller Sorensen saying Copenhagen expects respect for the kingdom’s territorial integrity and describing the image as disrespectful.
The debate highlights growing geopolitical competition in the Arctic, where melting ice is opening new shipping routes and increasing the region’s strategic importance for NATO, Russia, China and the US.
Follow the latest news on Google News
