European nations are rolling out a two-pronged strategy to counter growing unease over US President Donald Trump's renewed push to take control of Greenland.
While European leaders are intensifying diplomatic engagement with key stakeholders in Washington, they are also quietly moving to strengthen Arctic security under the NATO framework. According to a report by Politico, Europe is steadily bolstering Arctic defences, seeking to reassure the US on security while reinforcing their own presence in the strategically vital region. The approach aims to address Trump's concerns about the region's vulnerability to Russia and China without conceding sovereignty. Meanwhile, diplomatic talks are on. A former senior NATO official suggested the alliance could mediate between Greenland, Denmark, and the US, as it has done with alliance members Turkey and Greece over their disputes, the report mentioned. Also Read: Trump Ordering Army Chiefs To 'Draw Up Plan' To Invade Greenland?
Troops to move in, permanent mission announced
NATO is beefing up its flank with the United Kingdom and Norway announcing a permanent mission to secure the mountains and seas in the Arctic Circle in Northern Norway. Under the new agreement, British Royal Marines will expand their winter deployment to the Norwegian Arctic into a permanent deployment.
“Under the new agreement, the UK’s Commando Force, led by the Royal Marines, will operate year-round across Northern Norway’s coastlines and mountains, expanding beyond their traditional winter deployments. This partnership is a powerful demonstration of Nato Allies’ unity and enhanced interoperability in the High North,” said NATO in a statement.
The UK Commando Force's 'Camp Viking' hub is also being expanded into a permanent base with the deployment of 1,500 personnel, who will be based there with all-terrain vehicles and helicopters, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
The two sides will also jointly develop their military clout, including investment in weapons and programs for uncrewed mine-hunting and undersea warfare systems as well as autonomous vehicles for patrolling the depths and an interchangeable fleet of Type 26 frigates, the statement read.
Critically, they will not just cooperate with Norwegian forces but also with marines from the Netherlands.
Moreover, in 2026, NATO is planning some of its largest military exercises in the country. It will stage Exercise Cold Response in 2026 in the region.
The strategic NATO deployments are essential, as Denmark could be forced to respond militarily in case Trump pushes to take over Greenland the "hard way", as he has threatened. Under a 1952 standing order, troops should "immediately take up the fight without waiting for, or seeking orders" in "the event of an attack on Danish territory".
Also Read: 'Whether They Like It or Not': Trump Issues Chilling Threat On Greenland, Vows To Go The 'Hard Way' If...
The counter-cash offer?
The Trump administration has thrown its weight behind Greenland's independence movement, with US officials discussing the idea of offering lump-sum payments ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per person to Greenlanders to encourage secession. The EU and Denmark are trying to convince Greenlanders that they can give them a better deal.
Brussels is planning to more than double its spending on Greenland from 2028 under long-term budget plans drawn up after Trump started to make claims on the Danish-held territory, according to a draft proposal from the European Commission published in September, Politico reported.
The EU would also almost double spending on Greenland to €530 million for a seven-year period starting in 2028.
That comes on top of the money Denmark sends Greenland as part of its agreement with the self-governing territory. Greenland would also be eligible to apply for an additional €44 million in EU funding for remote territories associated with European countries, per the same document.
In all, a tempting EU-Denmark cash push could also help stop Greenland from slipping into America's hands.
