Germany will deploy 13 soldiers to Greenland this week as part of a short reconnaissance mission alongside other European partners, the German government and defense ministry said, underscoring growing European efforts to strengthen security in the Arctic.
At the same time, French President Emmanuel Macron convened an emergency defense cabinet on Thursday to discuss U.S. President Donald Trump’s stated intention to acquire Greenland and the forceful crackdown on nationwide protests in Iran, French officials said.
The crisis meeting, confirmed by a French official, was scheduled to begin at 0700 GMT in Paris. It comes amid heightened international tensions following Trump’s remarks on Greenland and escalating unrest in Iran.
In an overnight message posted on X, Macron said France had already begun deploying military personnel to Greenland to take part in joint exercises organised by Denmark and Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
“At the request of Denmark, I have decided that France will participate in the joint exercises organized by Denmark in Greenland, Operation Arctic Endurance. The first French military elements are already on their way. Others will follow.”
The mission, requested by Denmark, will run from Thursday to Saturday and is aimed at assessing possible military contributions to the region, including options such as maritime surveillance. The move comes as tensions rise following repeated assertions by U.S. President Donald Trump that Greenland is vital to U.S. national security and should be under American control.
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark and is strategically located and rich in minerals. Trump has argued that Denmark cannot adequately protect the island from potential Russian or Chinese influence, saying all options remain on the table to secure it. His comments have strained relations between Washington and European allies.
Earlier on Wednesday, Sweden and Norway also announced plans to send military personnel to Greenland. Denmark and Greenland have said they are increasing their military presence in and around the island in close cooperation with NATO allies and plan a range of exercises throughout 2026.
Following high-level talks in Washington between U.S., Danish and Greenlandic officials, Denmark and Greenland reiterated that the island is not for sale and that any acquisition by force would be an unacceptable breach of sovereignty. While a U.S.-Danish working group is set to discuss Arctic security, Danish officials acknowledged that fundamental disagreements with Washington remain.
