On January 14, European member states of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) decided to conduct a military exercise titled “Arctic Endurance” in Greenland.
According to reports from France’s Le Monde and Germany’s DPA news agency, Múte Bourup Egede, the Minister for Finance and Taxes in Greenland, held a press conference at the White House following talks with a the US delegation regarding the sovereignty of Greenland. He stated, “Soldiers of NATO are expected to be more present in Greenland from today and in the coming days. It is expected that there will be more military flights and ships,” confirming that “they would be training.”
The Danish Ministry of Defense also issued a statement, saying, ““The purpose [of the increased troop numbers] is to train the ability to operate under the unique Arctic conditions and to strengthen the alliance’s footprint in the Arctic for the benefit of both European and transatlantic security.”
Member states such as Germany, France, the UK, and Denmark are participating in this exercise.
On the same day, President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House, “if we don’t do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland” adding, “Denmark could not be relied upon to protect its autonomous territory.”
Meanwhile, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu appeared before Parliament and stated, “the Trump administration’s intentions are serious and must now be taken very seriously,” and “France’s full solidarity with Denmark and the legitimate authorities of Greenland.”
