France and European Allies to Deploy Troops to Greenland Amid US Tensions

In a direct challenge to U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated threats over Greenland, France has announced plans to send military forces to the Arctic territory to safeguard it from potential American control. The move underscores growing European resistance to perceived U.S. aggression in the region.

France to Deploy Ground, Air, and Naval Forces
French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Thursday that, following threats from the United States, France will participate in a European military exercise in Greenland. “A first team of French troops is already on site, and they will be reinforced in the coming days with additional ground, air, and naval assets,” Macron said. The deployment aims to assert European presence and signal that Greenland’s autonomy and security will be protected.

Background: Greenland, Denmark, and US Claims
Greenland is an autonomous territory under Denmark’s jurisdiction. President Trump has repeatedly asserted U.S. interest in gaining control of Greenland, even hinting at military options. However, Greenlandic officials have consistently stated that if they had to choose between Denmark and the United States, they would remain aligned with Denmark. Greenland’s Deputy Prime Minister, Múte Egede, confirmed that NATO troop presence in the territory is expected to increase, with additional flights and naval vessels arriving for training exercises.

European Unity Against US Pressure
France is not alone in this effort. Germany and several Nordic countries have also committed forces to the upcoming military exercise in Greenland, sending a strong signal to the United States regarding European solidarity and Arctic security. Poland, however, has declined to participate. The exercise comes after a high-level meeting at the White House earlier this week involving U.S. Vice President JD Vance and officials from Denmark and Greenland, which failed to resolve differences over the island’s status.

Strategic Message
The joint European military presence aims to underline that Greenland’s security and sovereignty are non-negotiable. By deploying troops, aircraft, and naval assets, European nations are sending a clear message to Washington: aggressive territorial ambitions will face a united European response.