Denmark urges permanent NATO presence in Arctic amid Greenland tensions

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen urged the establishment of a permanent NATO presence in the Arctic region, including around Greenland.

The discussions came amid renewed tensions with Washington following statements by US President Donald Trump expressing interest in Greenland, citing its strategic Arctic location, abundant mineral resources, and growing concerns over Russian and Chinese influence in the region, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected any proposals to sell the territory, repeatedly reaffirming Danish sovereignty over the island. Addressing EU leaders, Frederiksen expressed gratitude for European support during what she described as a challenging period for both Denmark and Greenland.

“When Europe is not divided, when we stand together, and when we are clear and strong. Also, in our willingness to stand up for ourselves, then the results will show,” she said.

Highlighting mounting security concerns in the Arctic, Frederiksen confirmed that Denmark has formally requested an increased NATO presence in the region.

“I think everybody in NATO agrees about — the Arctic states, but also other member states — that we need a permanent presence from NATO in the Arctic region, including around Greenland,” she said.

Her remarks followed a post by Trump on his Truth Social platform, in which he claimed that a framework for a potential deal involving Greenland and the wider Arctic region had been established.

Frederiksen underscored Denmark’s readiness to engage in dialogue with the United States, but stressed that such discussions must take place within a respectful and democratic framework.

“I think it’s clear for everybody that we are sovereign state, and we cannot negotiate about that because it’s a part of very basic democratic values,” she said.

While acknowledging Denmark’s long-standing cooperation with Washington, she warned against coercive rhetoric.

“We have been working very closely with the US for many years, but we have to work together respectfully, without threatening each other, and therefore, I, of course, hope to find a political solution within the framework of democracy,” Frederiksen added.

By Vafa Guliyeva