NATO is reportedly developing a plan to address US security concerns regarding Greenland.
NATO acknowledges President Trump’s concerns about Greenland and is considering a larger military presence in the Arctic to counter Russia and China, according to German news agency DPA. Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark (a NATO member), has been the subject of repeated assertions by Trump that the US needs to control it for national security reasons.
DPA reported Friday that informal NATO discussions are underway to create a proposal for Trump, involving a substantial troop deployment in the Arctic. The aim is to ease US-Danish tensions over Greenland by addressing Washington’s concerns.
NATO reportedly views Trump’s security concerns about Russian and Chinese Arctic activities as legitimate.
Before his inauguration, Trump’s phone conversation with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen about Greenland was widely reported as contentious and alarming to the Danes.
A recent poll shows nearly half of Danes view the US as a threat, 78% oppose selling Greenland, and 72% believe Greenlanders should decide their own future.
A separate Greenlandic poll reveals only 6% of residents favor joining the US, with 85% opposed.
The German news agency notes that Greenland is a particularly sensitive issue for NATO, as one member threatening another’s territory could harm the alliance’s credibility.
Both the US and Denmark currently maintain a military presence in Greenland. Denmark operates the Arctic Command in Nuuk, while the US operates the Pituffik Space Base, focused on missile defense, early warning, and space surveillance.
NATO diplomats believe the success of any Arctic initiative hinges on whether Trump’s interest in Greenland stems from security concerns or the island’s untapped natural resources.