Germany is set to deploy a small contingent of 13 soldiers to Greenland later this week for a short reconnaissance mission conducted in coordination with other European partners, a move that reflects growing European attention to security in the Arctic region, according to reports.
The deployment reportedly comes as French President Emmanuel Macron convened an emergency defense cabinet meeting on Thursday to address rising geopolitical tensions, including US President Donald Trump’s publicly stated desire to acquire Greenland and the intensifying crackdown on nationwide protests in Iran. French officials said the meeting was scheduled to begin at 7 GMT in Paris.
In a message posted overnight on X, Macron said France had already begun sending military personnel to Greenland to participate in joint exercises organised by Denmark and Greenland. Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
The mission, which was reportedly requested by Denmark, is due to run from Thursday through Saturday and is intended to evaluate potential military contributions to the region. These assessments are said to include capabilities such as maritime surveillance and broader security support.
The increased European activity follows repeated remarks by President Trump asserting that Greenland is critical to US national security and should come under American control. Trump has argued that Denmark lacks the capacity to adequately defend the island against potential Russian or Chinese influence, stating that all options remain under consideration. His comments have reportedly strained relations between Washington and several European allies.
Greenland, which is strategically located in the Arctic and rich in mineral resources, has become a focal point of renewed geopolitical interest. Earlier this week, Sweden and Norway also announced plans to send military personnel to the island, according to reports.
Denmark and Greenland have said they are strengthening their military posture in and around the island in close cooperation with NATO allies and are planning a series of joint exercises throughout 2026, underscoring a broader effort to reinforce security in the High North.
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