NATO must do more to secure the high north while respecting Greenland’s sovereignty

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called on NATO to step up efforts to secure the Arctic region, stressing the growing strategic importance of the “high north” amid rising geopolitical tensions, while firmly underscoring the need to respect territorial integrity and international law.

Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Merz addressed recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump expressing a desire for the United States to acquire Greenland, citing security concerns linked to Russia and China’s expanding presence in the Arctic, reports dw.com

Merz said Germany shares Washington’s assessment of the security risks in the Arctic but rejected any approach that undermines sovereignty.
“We welcome the fact that the United States is taking the threat posed by Russia in the Arctic seriously, and we share the conviction that NATO must do more to secure the high north,” Merz said.

He added, however, that “Denmark and the people of Greenland can count on our solidarity.”

The German chancellor voiced support for dialogue involving Denmark, Greenland, and the United States, and welcomed President Trump’s announcement that the U.S. would not use force to acquire the Arctic Island.

“This is the right way to go,” Merz said, emphasizing diplomacy and alliance-based solutions.

Trump had earlier threatened to impose 10% tariffs on several European countries opposing his Greenland proposal but later backed down after reaching what he described as a “framework of a future deal” with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Arctic security.

Trump also confirmed that negotiations would proceed without military pressure, easing tensions within the alliance.

Addressing broader geopolitical shifts, Merz warned that the global order is undergoing rapid change, describing the current period as a new era of great power competition.

“The ‘old world’ order is unraveling at breathtaking pace,” he said. “We have entered an era of great power politics founded on power, strength, and, when necessary, force.”

Against this backdrop, Merz urged European partners not to weaken transatlantic ties despite recent strains.

“Despite the frustration and anger of recent months, let us not be too quick to write off the transatlantic partnership,” he said, calling on allies not to give up on NATO and to stand closer together in the face of emerging threats.

In his Davos address, Merz also outlined Germany’s strategic priorities, including continued support for Ukraine, strengthening Europe’s self-defense capabilities, and reducing economic and technological dependencies that leave Germany and Europe vulnerable.

He stressed that Germany’s leadership role in Europe depends on maintaining a strong and innovative economy.

“We are reducing our economic and technological dependencies and building strategically coordinated ties worldwide,” Merz said, adding that Germany must fully unlock its potential for innovation and sustainable growth.

Merz’s visit to Davos also focused on building bridges with international partners and promoting Germany as a destination for investment.

Following the forum, he was set to travel to Brussels for a European Union summit where the Greenland situation and Arctic security were expected to feature prominently on the agenda.