Source The Hindu
Brussels — Denmark has urged the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to establish a reinforced, long-term presence in the Arctic region, particularly around Greenland, as geopolitical tensions rise over the future security of the vast, strategic territory.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stressed that Denmark’s sovereignty — and that of its autonomous territory Greenland — remains “non-negotiable,” while highlighting the need for collective defense in the far north. She made the remarks on the sidelines of an emergency European Council summit in Brussels, where Nordic and European leaders are seeking unity in response to recent pressure from the United States.
“All NATO members agree that a permanent alliance presence in the Arctic, including around Greenland, is necessary,” Frederiksen said, reflecting a consensus among alliance capitals that the region’s security requires sustained engagement.
The call for increased NATO involvement comes amid controversy over U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks earlier this week, in which he claimed a “framework” agreement with NATO to grant the U.S. expanded access to Greenland — a suggestion that alarmed Danish and Greenlandic leaders and stirred debate about territorial integrity.
While the precise details of any new pact have not been formalized, Danish officials say talks are centered on boosting Arctic defense cooperation with NATO allies rather than transferring sovereignty or control over Greenland. The alliance’s secretary-general and Frederiksen agreed that bolstering deterrence and defense capabilities in the region is central to the alliance’s mission.
Greenland’s own prime minister has also expressed support for expanded NATO engagement, indicating openness to a more permanent mission to help safeguard the island’s security.
European leaders, meanwhile, have voiced broader concerns that the diplomatic frictions with Washington over Greenland could strain transatlantic relations and complicate cooperation on trade and defense.
