After US threats, soldiers from several European countries arrive in Greenland for military exercises

France, Germany, the UK, Norway, the Netherlands, Finland, and Sweden participate
Poland, Italy, and Turkiye refuse to send troops to Greenland

Nuuk (Greenland) – Following US President Donald Trump’s announcement about bringing the European territory of Greenland under American control, European countries have begun organising in opposition. As part of this response, several NATO member states have launched a joint military exercise called “Operation Arctic Endurance.” France has sent 15 soldiers, Germany 13, while Norway, the Netherlands, and Finland have each deployed 2 soldiers. The United Kingdom has sent one military officer, and Sweden has also dispatched troops. In addition to Denmark’s existing contingent of 200 soldiers, an estimated 35 to 40 soldiers and officers from other European countries have now arrived in Greenland. Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto has described the entire operation as a “joke.” Poland, Italy, and Turkiye have refused to send troops to Greenland. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk clearly stated that his country would not deploy any soldiers. There is no collective NATO directive regarding troop deployment in Greenland; each country is making decisions based on its own security priorities and available resources.

1. French President Emmanuel Macron has said that Greenland will be strengthened in the coming period through land, air, and sea capabilities. The number of troops currently deployed is small; however, the objective is to send a political message that NATO is united.

2. Operation Arctic Endurance, led by Denmark, is a military exercise aimed at assessing preparedness in case a large-scale troop deployment becomes necessary in Greenland in the future. The primary focus of the exercise is to enhance coordination and operational efficiency among allied countries in the Arctic region.