Several European countries, including Germany and France, have begun deploying soldiers to Greenland in what officials describe as a reconnaissance mission aimed at strengthening security and demonstrating European unity.
The move comes amid growing tensions between the United States and its European allies over the future of the strategically located Arctic island, which has gained increased geopolitical importance due to rising Russian and Chinese interest in the region.
Greenland, home to fewer than 57,000 people, is a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, which retains responsibility for its defense and foreign policy, dw.com reports.
Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the deployments are part of plans to establish a more permanent military presence with greater Danish involvement, adding that troops from several NATO countries will be stationed on a rotational basis.
Denmark has also announced it will increase its own military footprint in the territory, while the United States continues to operate a military base there.
The arrival of European forces is widely seen as a signal of solidarity with Denmark and a message to Washington amid renewed controversy over Greenland’s status.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated his desire to acquire Greenland, arguing that control of the island is critical to US national security.
However, the White House dismissed the European deployments, saying they would have no impact on Trump’s position.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president remains firm in his view that US ownership of Greenland is in America’s best strategic interest.
Recent talks between US, Danish and Greenlandic officials failed to bridge differences, with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen describing the disagreements as “fundamental” but confirming that dialogue would continue.
Rasmussen strongly rejected any suggestion that Greenland could be acquired by the United States, calling the idea “out of the question” and a violation of international law and national sovereignty.
He clarified that future discussions would focus on managing differences, not negotiating a transfer of ownership.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius described the situation as a “power play,” downplaying fears of an extreme outcome and noting that any such decision would also require the approval of the US Congress.
He added that European efforts to bolster security in Greenland demonstrate that allied nations are prepared to address shared security concerns collectively.
