European Troops Deploy to Greenland Amid US Interest in Territory

Wed Feb 18 2026 22:34:42 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A military contingent from various European nations, including France, has arrived in Greenland's capital, Nuuk, coinciding with US President Trump's ongoing claims over the Arctic island. This deployment signals NATO's commitment to the region amid rising geopolitical tensions.

A French military contingent has arrived in Nuuk, Greenland, as part of a reconnaissance mission involving several European nations amidst US President Trump's efforts to assert control over the territory. The move is a demonstration of NATO's presence in the Arctic, with additional troops from Germany, Sweden, Norway, and the UK expected to join. Denmark is set to enhance its military presence in response to geopolitical concerns over Russian and Chinese influences, emphasizing international collaboration in Arctic security.

A 15-strong French military contingent has arrived in Greenland's capital Nuuk, as several European states send soldiers there as part of a so-called reconnaissance mission.

The deployment, which will also include personnel from Germany, Sweden, Norway, and the UK, comes as US President Donald Trump continues to press his claim to the Arctic island, which is a semi-autonomous part of Denmark.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the initial troop deployment would be reinforced in the coming days with land, air, and sea assets.

Senior French diplomat Olivier Poivre d'Arvor described the mission as sending a strong political signal: This is a first exercise... we'll show the US that NATO is present.

The movement of military personnel follows a meeting between Danish and Greenland's foreign ministers and US Vice-President JD Vance. Post-meeting, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen pointed out fundamental disagreements, particularly criticizing Trump's attempt to buy Greenland.

Trump has reiterated his desire for US control of Greenland, stating, we need Greenland for national security. He implied the need for stronger actions against perceived threats from Russia and China, emphasizing that the US can take necessary steps while Denmark cannot.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk remarked that any US military intervention would lead to a political disaster, emphasizing the implications of such actions within NATO dynamics.

While NATO's European deployment consists of a limited number of personnel under Danish-led exercises called Operation Arctic Endurance, its symbolism is significant amid rising tensions in the Arctic. Germany is contributing an A400M transport plane with a contingent of 13 soldiers, with limited duration in Greenland.

Danish officials noted a decision to enhance military presence around Greenland to solidify NATO's position in the region. Macron emphasized European accountability for Greenland as both an EU territory and a NATO ally.

Amidst this maritime and political mobilization, Denmark and Greenland continue to assert the importance of cooperative security approaches while contesting Trump's unfounded justifications for acquiring Greenland.

Rasmussen stressed, in 2026, you trade with people, but you don't trade people. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen clarified his people's preference for alignment with Denmark over US governance.