Germany Plans to Propose Arctic NATO Operation to Mend Greenland Dispute

Germany Seeks NATO Arctic Security Mission Amid US-Greenland Tensions

Photographer: Carsten Snejbjerg/Bloomberg

Germany is preparing to suggest the creation of a collaborative NATO operation focused on safeguarding the Arctic, aiming to reduce friction with the United States over its recent statements about annexing Greenland, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Officials indicate that NATO’s existing “Baltic Sentry” initiative, launched a year ago to protect vital Baltic Sea infrastructure, could serve as a model for a new “Arctic Sentry” mission. This proposed mission would encompass Greenland and draw on the experience of the Baltic operation.

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US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland for strategic purposes. His attention to the autonomous Danish territory has intensified following a bold US operation to capture Venezuela’s leader, raising concerns among allies about his readiness to use military force to achieve foreign policy objectives. Trump’s assertive comments regarding Greenland have triggered a wave of diplomatic efforts as officials attempt to clarify his intentions.

Germany’s vice chancellor, who is scheduled to travel to Washington this week for a finance ministers’ meeting led by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, has urged the United States to honor Greenland’s autonomy and abide by international law. The gathering will also include finance leaders from the Group of Seven, as well as representatives from Australia, South Korea, India, Mexico, and the European Union.

“The future of Greenland is a decision for Denmark and Greenland alone,” stated Lars Klingbeil, Germany’s finance minister and vice chancellor. “Respect for territorial sovereignty and integrity is essential. These international legal standards apply to all nations, including the United States. As NATO partners, our goal is to strengthen Arctic security together, not work against one another.”

Other senior German officials are also visiting Washington this week. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is set to meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio after a stop in Iceland.

“When disagreements arise, we aim to address them through dialogue, fulfilling our shared responsibility for peace and security,” Wadephul remarked before departing. He emphasized the strategic significance of the North Atlantic for collective security and expressed his intention to discuss NATO’s approach to managing both longstanding and emerging rivalries, particularly those involving Russia and China.

Further Developments and International Response

Wadephul also highlighted the importance of considering the interests of all NATO members and the people living in the Arctic region, including Greenland’s residents.

The United Kingdom is reportedly in discussions with its allies about potentially deploying troops to Greenland as part of a future NATO mission, according to the Sunday Telegraph. UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, when questioned about these reports, described such talks as routine cooperation among allies to defend Greenland from possible Russian threats.

NATO has confirmed that its naval forces are conducting joint exercises in the challenging conditions of the far north to help secure this strategically vital area.

Reporting assistance by Kamil Kowalcze, Shiyin Chen, and Valentine Baldassari.

(This article was updated to include additional countries participating in the talks.)

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