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French President Emmanuel Macron announced late Wednesday that France would send military personnel to Greenland to participate in joint exercises organised by Denmark. The decision comes as a direct show of solidarity with Copenhagen at a time when the Trump administration is openly pressing for American control of the vast Arctic territory.
In a post on X, Macron wrote: “At the request of Denmark, I have decided that France will participate in the joint exercises organised by Denmark in Greenland, Operation Arctic Endurance. The first French military elements have already arrived. Others will follow.” View the original post.
European Allies Rally Around Denmark
Although Greenland is not an EU member, European leaders have quickly closed ranks behind Denmark, which retains responsibility for the island's foreign affairs and defence. Over the past week, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway have all confirmed they will contribute troops or military staff to the exercises.
The deployments follow a White House meeting between Greenlandic and Danish officials and senior US figures, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. No breakthrough was achieved, with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen describing a “fundamental disagreement” over Greenland’s future ownership.
Strategic Stakes in the Arctic
Beyond supporting Denmark’s claim, the European move appears designed to demonstrate to Washington that NATO partners are capable of contributing to Arctic security—particularly against potential threats from Russia or China as melting ice opens new shipping routes and resource opportunities.
President Trump has repeatedly questioned Denmark’s ability to protect Greenland, recently mocking its defensive presence as equivalent to “two dog sleds.” Reports suggest the European contributions remain symbolic in scale: Germany is sending around 13 personnel, while French numbers are described by Le Monde as “relatively modest.”
Undeterred, Trump doubled down on Wednesday, insisting the United States “needs” Greenland for national security reasons tied to missile defence and broader Arctic dominance. On Truth Social, he argued that NATO would become “far more formidable and effective” under direct American control and warned that Russia or China could otherwise fill the vacuum.
Greenlandic leaders have consistently expressed a preference to remain under Danish oversight rather than shift to the United States. Following the White House meeting, officials announced the creation of a high-level working group, with further talks expected in the coming weeks.
The episode revives Trump’s long-standing interest in the island—first publicly floated during his initial term in 2019—and highlights the delicate balance within NATO as Arctic geopolitics grows increasingly contested.