Paris / Copenhagen / Washington — France has urged NATO to conduct a military exercise in Greenland, signaling European concern over the strategic and security challenges emerging in the Arctic.
Élysée Palace sources confirmed Wednesday that Paris is ready to participate, stressing that safeguarding the Arctic is increasingly vital amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
The announcement comes as Denmark has formally requested a permanent NATO presence on the island, local media reported Tuesday.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen suggested that NATO’s enhanced presence in the Baltic Sea and the Baltic States could serve as a blueprint for Greenland, highlighting the alliance’s potential role in countering growing Russian influence in the region.
Both Denmark and Greenland have previously proposed a NATO mission in the Arctic, reflecting the strategic importance of the territory.
Earlier this month, international troops—including units from Germany and France—visited Greenland on a multi-day reconnaissance mission. Danish officials emphasized that this operation was Danish-led and not an official NATO exercise, though it underscored Greenland’s emerging significance on the international security stage.
Complicating matters, U.S. President Donald Trump has openly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, fueling tensions with European allies.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt noted last week that the Danish-led reconnaissance mission was unlikely to influence the President’s decisions regarding Greenland.
In a dramatic escalation, Trump announced punitive tariffs on eight countries starting February 1, in apparent response to European NATO nations backing Denmark’s desire to maintain Greenland’s current status.
The tariffs have drawn immediate criticism from the affected nations and other global actors, signaling potential friction between U.S. economic policies and European security priorities.
As the Arctic gains strategic, economic, and environmental importance, NATO exercises and international cooperation are increasingly seen as essential measures to ensure stability.
France’s call for a NATO operation in Greenland reflects a broader European effort to assert influence and maintain balance in a region of growing geopolitical significance.