European partners to send military reinforcements to Greenland

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European partners to send military reinforcements to Greenland

2026-01-15 09:42 Last Updated At：17:57

Sweden and several other European countries Wednesday announced plans to send military personnel to Greenland as concerns grow over security in the Arctic following recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump about the strategically important island.

The Danish Ministry of Defence confirmed that the country is increasing its military presence in Greenland.

According to a statement from the Danish defense ministry, an enhanced military presence in and around Greenland will begin on Wednesday, with Denmark working closely with its NATO allies. The announcement came ahead of a meeting between Denmark, Greenland and the United States held in Washington.

"The purpose is to train the ability to operate under the unique Arctic conditions and to strengthen the alliance's footprint in the Arctic, benefiting both European and transatlantic security," the statement said.

The increased presence will include additional capabilities such as ships, aircraft and soldiers, the statement added.

The statement said that the exercise activities in 2026 could include guarding critical infrastructure, providing assistance to local authorities in Greenland, including the police, receiving allied troops, deploying fighter aircraft in and around Greenland, and conducting naval operations.

Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said, "Security in the Arctic is of decisive importance for the Kingdom and our Arctic allies, and it is therefore important that, in close cooperation with our allies, we further strengthen our ability to operate in the region. This is something we did in 2025, and as a natural continuation of these efforts we are continuing and expanding the cooperation in 2026."

Denmark's actions have been accompanied by concrete support from NATO allies. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Wednesday that Sweden had sent military personnel to Greenland at Denmark's request, noting that the deployment is linked to preparations for "Arctic Endurance," an operation planned by Denmark. The Swedish Armed Forces confirmed that Swedish personnel were among the initial contingent arriving on the island.

Norway has also contributed personnel. At a press conference with his Danish counterpart held on Wednesday, Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Sandvik said that Norway is sending two military staffers to Greenland to "map out the further cooperation between allies." He added that there is ongoing dialogue within NATO on how to strengthen security in the Arctic, including in and around Greenland.

The German Ministry of Defense on Wednesday night announced that it will participate in a multinational reconnaissance mission in Greenland to assess potential military contributions to regional security.

At the invitation of Denmark, a team of 13 personnel from the Bundeswehr, the German armed forces, will join other European nations for the mission in Greenland, according to the ministry.

The team is set to depart for Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, on Thursday morning.

The French Ministry of Armed Forces said that France will deploy a small military detachment to Greenland to take part in a joint "cold-weather exercise" with Denmark and several other European countries.

Also on the day, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that France will open its consulate in Greenland on Feb. 6, a concrete move to show support for the island as the United States repeatedly vows to take it over.

Greenland, the world's largest island, is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, while Copenhagen retains authority over defense and foreign policy. The United States maintains a military base on the island.

Since returning to office in 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to "obtain" Greenland and has not ruled out the use of force.

UNGA President warns global multilateral system "under attack"

The multilateral system is "under attack" amid global turmoil, President of the 80th UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock warned in her remarks on Wednesday.

In her briefing on the priorities for the resumed 80th Session of the General Assembly, the UNGA president noted that the current multilateral system does not collapse all in a sudden, but "crumbles piece by piece" in divisions, compromises, and lack of political commitment.

The president called all the UN member states to defend the UN Charter and international law and promote cross-regional cooperation.

She also urged to push forward the work of the UNGA on certain critical issues with a strong majority, rather than an absolute consensus among all member states. Such act is not a failure of multilateralism, but "an affirmation of it," she said.

The foundational principles of the institution should not be eroded by appeasement, she said, calling the member states to show courage, leadership, and responsibility at the UN's "critical make-or-break moment."

"The UN needs you. Your support, your leadership, your principle, stand, your cross-regional cooperation, if we are to preserve and modernize this institution, if we are to make it, rather than break it," she said.