Italy rejects Greenland troop deployment as ‘beginning of a joke’

Italy has ruled out sending troops to Greenland.

In doing so, Rome is distancing itself from other European countries conducting symbolic deployments to counter US ambitions on the strategically important Arctic island.

The decision came alongside a phone call on January 18 between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and US President Donald Trump. That came as part of Rome’s effort to mediate between Washington and European capitals rather than fully align with other European positions after the US threatened possible sanctions.

“What can one hundred, two hundred or three hundred soldiers achieve? It sounds like the beginning of a joke,” Italian defence minister Guido Crosetto told on January 16, dismissing any Italian deployment as strategically meaningless.

The statement followed Germany’s announcement that 13 armed forces personnel would be sent to Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, for a reconnaissance mission at Denmark’s invitation. These German troops, though, have already been withdrawn.

Denmark has strengthened its military presence on the island alongside a wider European effort to secure the Arctic country. French troops have also arrived in Nuuk, with forces from the Netherlands, Canada, Sweden, the UK and Norway expected to follow.

On January 18, Trump announced via social media and official statements that the US would impose a 10  per cent tariff on imports from countries opposing Washington’s Greenland plans. He warned they could rise to 25  per cent from 1 June 2026 if an agreement for the US’ “full and complete purchase” of Greenland was not reached.

Italy is seemingly prioritising unity over symbolic gestures. “It is in our interest to keep the western world together and to always act within NATO and UN frameworks,” Crosetto said, stressing that fragmented deployments offered little benefit.

Meloni echoed this view, arguing that Arctic security should be managed collectively rather than through isolated national actions.

She framed her call with Trump as central to Italy’s mediation strategy, describing tensions between Washington and Europe. “There has been a problem of understanding and communication” over European contributions, she stated.

She also emphasised these actions should not be interpreted as anti-US, highlighting the importance of clarity and dialogue to prevent misunderstandings between Europe and Washington.

Meloni added that “the planned US tariffs are a mistake” and that she had clearly communicated her position to Trump, while confirming ongoing discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and other European leaders.

She emphasised that her priority is to resume dialogue and avoid escalation. Meloni insisted that clear communication is essential to overcoming misunderstandings between Europe and the US, adding that Trump appeared receptive.

While reaffirming Italy’s shared interest in Arctic security, she characterised troop deployments as deterrence measures rather than a political challenge.