Seven European countries have sent their military personnel to Greenland as part of an intelligence mission aimed at strengthening security in the region.
According to Reuters, France sent the largest number of troops, dispatching 15 specialists. Germany contributed 13 personnel, while Sweden sent three officers. Finland and Norway each sent two soldiers, while the United Kingdom and the Netherlands provided one serviceman each.
The initial groups of military personnel arrived in Greenland's capital, Nuuk, on a Danish Air Force plane on January 14. The following day, Germany also sent its soldiers, stating that their mission would last three days from January 15 to 17, according to BBC News. The duration of stay for the other military personnel in Greenland remains unknown.
The deployment of troops from Europe is in support of Denmark, which governs Greenland, in preparation for large-scale military exercises scheduled for late 2026.
Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen noted in a press interview the uncertainty regarding the scale of NATO's presence in Greenland. "We can plan for a broader and more permanent military presence throughout 2026, which underscores the importance of security in the Arctic for Denmark and all of NATO," he stated.
White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt said on January 15 that the placement of European troops in Greenland would not affect U.S. President Donald Trump's intentions regarding the territory. "I don't think the presence of European troops will change his approach to the issue of Greenland," she added.
European servicemen were sent to Greenland amid negotiations between U.S. representatives on one side and Denmark and Greenland on the other, which took place in Washington on January 14. Following these meetings, the White House reported a productive dialogue. However, Danish authorities were unable to convince Trump to abandon his plans to acquire Greenland.
Donald Trump has repeatedly emphasized the strategic importance of Greenland for the security of the U.S. and Europe, expressing concerns that the island could be controlled by Russia or China.
Earlier, the White House reported that Trump was considering various ways to gain control over Greenland, including the possibility of using military force.
