Europe Strengthens Arctic Stance Amid Trump's Greenland Push
European nations are taking concrete steps to assert their position in the Arctic region. This comes as former US President Donald Trump maintains his firm stance on acquiring Greenland. The situation has triggered a significant response from key European players.
Denmark's Military Deployment
Denmark has reportedly increased its military presence in Greenland with substantial troop movements. According to Danish broadcaster TV2, a significant contingent of Danish combat soldiers arrived in Kangerlussuaq on Monday evening. This location hosts Greenland's primary international airport.
Major General Søren Andersen, Denmark's top military commander in the Arctic, provided specific numbers. He confirmed that approximately 100 Danish soldiers have already reached Nuuk, Greenland's capital. A similar number of troops are now stationed in Kangerlussuaq in western Greenland.
The soldiers will participate in the Arctic Endurance training exercise. Andersen clarified last week that this deployment responds directly to Russian threats in the region. He emphasized that the move does not target Trump's ambitions for Greenland.
Local media recently circulated video footage showing the expanded Danish military presence in Greenland. The visual evidence confirms the scale of this military reinforcement.
Germany's Firm Warning
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered a strong message regarding European interests. He stated clearly that Germany stands ready to protect both European and German national interests. Merz warned the US government about potential European responses to American actions.
The Chancellor expressed his preference for diplomatic solutions but made the position unambiguous. He noted that the US economy faces challenges that relate partly to tariff policies. Merz spoke these words during a press conference at CDU headquarters in Berlin.
Trump's Provocative Stance
Donald Trump rattled NATO allies over the weekend with specific threats. He warned about imposing tariffs on European members of the alliance. This threat comes directly from his continued ambition to gain control of Greenland.
The escalation has generated outrage among European Union leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron called for activating the bloc's most powerful retaliation tool in response. EU ambassadors convened on Sunday to discuss various response options.
EU's Prepared Response
European Union leaders will hold an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday. They plan to discuss concrete measures should Trump follow through with his threats. One option involves imposing tariffs on approximately 93 billion euros worth of American goods.
This tariff package could automatically take effect on February 6th after a six-month suspension period. Another option involves deploying the Anti-Coercion Instrument. This powerful tool has never been used before but could restrict American access to European markets.
The EU continues engagement with the United States at all levels. However, officials confirm that using the Anti-Coercion Instrument remains a possibility. The instrument could limit American participation in public tenders, investments, banking activities, and trade in services.
International Reactions
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent cautioned European governments against retaliation. He described such actions as very unwise during remarks in Davos. Bessent dismissed suggestions that Trump's Greenland interest relates to the Nobel prize, calling this a complete canard.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for calm discussions between allies. He expressed his belief that Trump does not consider military action to seize Greenland. Russia declined to comment directly on whether US designs on Greenland are positive or negative.
Russian officials noted that experts believe Trump would make history if he actually gained control of the island. The situation continues to develop as European nations demonstrate their commitment to protecting Arctic interests.
