The European Union’s top military official, Robert Brieger, has suggested that EU nations should station troops in Greenland following the example of the US.
In an interview with Die Welt published on January 25, Brieger, chairman of the European Union Military Committee, stated: “In my view, it would make perfect sense not only to station US forces in Greenland, as has been the case to date, but also to consider stationing EU soldiers there in the future.”
According to Brieger, Greenland’s position along the shortest route between Europe and North America made it a key strategic location.
He claimed melting of ice in Greenland was a source of potential geopolitical tension, warning that it could draw increased interest from powers like Russia and China.
“Soldiers from the EU could contribute to monitoring peace,” he said.
Ultimately, Brieger noted that such a move would require political approval and the EU, as the Military Committee was only a consultative body.
The US could take control of Greenland “tomorrow” by simple decree if it wanted, a Danish politician said on Sunday. https://t.co/Fw61h15NKl
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) January 26, 2025
His comments came as US President Donald Trump reignited interest in Greenland by expressing his desire to purchase the Danish-controlled territory.
On January 25, Trump reiterated his interest: “I do believe Greenland, we’ll get, because it really has to do with freedom of the world.”
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte B Egede have dismissed the idea of US-controlled Denmark, insisting that Greenland was “not for sale”.
The Europeans have been strengthening their presence in Greenland.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen inaugurated the EU Office in the capital Nuuk in March 2024. That followed the signing of a raw-materials strategic partnership between the EU and Greenland in November 2023.
This agreement focused on securing a sustainable supply of raw materials, which are seen as vital for achieving the EU’s “green” and clean energy objectives.
The potential deployment of European troops in Greenland could further strengthen ties between the territory and the EU.
At the same time, though, experts understand such a move might also heighten tensions between EU and US interests.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the country’s business leaders to a meeting on Thursday after US President-elect Donald Trump last week threatened military or economic action such as tariffs to take control of Greenland. https://t.co/tEO1Mo0VYe
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) January 16, 2025
