Denmark and Greenland float NATO arctic mission amid US pressure

Denmark and Greenland have proposed a NATO mission in the Arctic, Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said on Monday, as concerns grow over US statements suggesting a possible takeover of the autonomous Danish territory.

Poulsen made the remarks during a joint press briefing in Brussels alongside Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, following meetings with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. He confirmed that the idea of a NATO Arctic mission had been raised directly with Rutte, though he did not disclose the response.

Poulsen also stressed that Denmark would continue engaging in dialogue with Washington, saying Copenhagen would not be the party to abandon talks. He warned that a US withdrawal from NATO would pose serious challenges for Europe, adding that some recent comments from former US president Donald Trump had been deeply hurtful.

Motzfeldt said Greenland remains committed to cooperation and development among allies, with an emphasis on mutual defence. She underlined that Greenland’s security is closely linked to that of the United States and said Greenland’s participation in discussions aims to represent the interests of its people while helping to find constructive solutions.

Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has drawn increased US attention because of its strategic Arctic location, its mineral wealth, and concerns about growing Russian and Chinese activity in the region.

Trump has repeatedly argued that the United States must acquire Greenland for national security reasons and to block potential influence from Russia or China, at times threatening tariffs on allies who oppose such a move. Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected any proposal to sell the territory, reaffirming Danish sovereignty over the island.