NATO is facing an unprecedented stress test, this time due to Greenland and Donald Trump’s plans that don’t rule out military action on the Arctic island. Berlin was quick to express its opposition to Washington’s ambitions, emphasizing the need to respect territorial sovereignty, while Denmark raises issues of international law. The objections continue with mineral wealth being a crucial factor in the equation. European governments have generally embarked on a race to avoid an unprecedented crisis within the North Atlantic Alliance due to Trump’s annexation statements. Concerns were expressed by both German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who stated bluntly that “everything would stop” in case of military intervention.
Read: Trump on Greenland: “A solution will be found – It’s very important for our national security”
Despite public assurances that Europe will not “surrender” Greenland, diplomatic sources admit that the primary goal is to save NATO. On the economic front, the situation becomes more complex. Although Greenland has significant reserves of critical raw materials, their exploitation remains limited. The EU plans to more than double its investments in the island in the next multiannual budget, opening the way for a co-investment scheme that could entice Washington. Will Greenland become an apple of discord or evolve into a ticking time bomb in NATO’s hands?
Trump on Greenland: the Venezuela example and the China & Russia threat
“Are you willing to leave the NATO alliance to achieve what you want?” a journalist asked Trump hours ago in the Oval Office regarding his plans for Greenland. “I’m certainly not going to give up my options, but Greenland is very important for national security, including Denmark’s,” the American president replied.
“The problem is that Denmark can’t do anything if Russia or China want to seize Greenland, but we can do everything. We saw that last week with Venezuela,” he added. “I can’t rely on Denmark being able to defend itself alone,” Trump meaningfully added.
Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump was asked if he plans to respect Greenland’s leadership limits in his attempt to acquire the territory. He didn’t answer the question directly, but simply said: “We’ll see what happens with Greenland.”
Indeed, in a special post, Trump went a step further writing: “NATO becomes much stronger and more effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES.”
His full post reads as follows:
“The United States needs Greenland for national security reasons. It’s vital to the Golden Dome we’re building. NATO must lead us to acquire it. IF WE DON’T DO IT, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT WON’T HAPPEN!
From a military standpoint, without the enormous power of the United States, which I built during my first term and am now raising to a new, even higher level, NATO wouldn’t be an effective force or deterrent – Not even close!
They know this, and I know it too. NATO becomes much stronger and more effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES.
Anything less than that is unacceptable. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DJT”.
Germany’s military deployment
Germany will send 13 soldiers to Greenland on a reconnaissance mission together with other European countries, the German government and Defense Ministry announced. The mission, which is being carried out at Denmark’s request, will last from Thursday to Saturday.
Its goal is to explore possible military contributions to strengthen the region’s security, according to a Defense Ministry statement, which could include maritime surveillance.
Denmark’s Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, for his part, estimated that an American attack on Greenland is “unlikely,” where Denmark is strengthening its military presence. “It’s a very hypothetical question. I think it’s unlikely for one NATO country to attack another NATO country,” the minister said in response to a related question.
Copenhagen announced it is deploying “from today” military forces as part of exercises in Greenland, which translates to increased military presence “in aircraft, warships and soldiers, including our NATO allies.”
Sweden and Norway announced they are sending officers to Greenland at Denmark’s request.
According to three European diplomats and one EU official who spoke to Politico, Brussels is dominated by the belief that a direct confrontation with Washington would be catastrophic. European capitals are moving toward a conciliatory line without blowing up the West’s security architecture.
