Germany and different NATO states are selling a joint safety answer with the USA for the Arctic and Greenland – however US President Donald Trump, as essentially the most highly effective alliance associate, is unyielding. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) stated after talks together with his US counterpart Marco Rubio in Washington that he very a lot welcomes the truth that there will likely be talks this week between the Danish authorities and the US authorities about Greenland. He has “no doubt that this will happen in a friendly and cooperative environment.”
US authorities spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt emphasised once more on Monday that Trump had declared USA needed to purchase Greenland as a result of he feared that in any other case it will in the end be acquired and even taken over by China or Russia. That wouldn’t be helpful for the USA, Europe or Greenland itself, she emphasised. It can be “not only in the best interest of the United States, but perhaps also in the best interest of Greenland to become part of the United States,” she stated.
Rubio plans to satisfy together with his counterpart Lars Løkke Rasmussen of Denmark this week. Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt stated she was additionally participating within the assembly. When precisely it can happen has not but been formally introduced. According to Danish media, a number of US senators are additionally touring to Copenhagen for talks with Danish and Greenlandic politicians.
Wadephul: No proof of US navy motion towards Greenland
After the dialog with Rubio, the Federal Foreign Minister made it clear that he didn’t anticipate US navy motion to annex Greenland. “I have no indication that this is being seriously considered,” Wadephul instructed reporters. “I believe that there is a common interest that we should and will take care of the security issues that arise in the Arctic region.” At the identical time, he emphasised that in the case of issues that concern Greenland and Denmark, it’s as much as Greenland and Denmark to determine.
Merz: Improve Greenland’s safety scenario along with the USA
Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) additionally assumes that the USA will take part in a stronger NATO presence round Greenland. “We share American concerns that this part of Denmark needs to be better protected,” he stated throughout his go to to India. “We simply want to improve the security situation for Greenland together. And I assume that the Americans will also take part in this.” To what extent – “the discussions in the next few days and weeks will show,” stated Merz.
Klingbeil: Great concern in regards to the transatlantic relationship
Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil was “very worried” in regards to the transatlantic relationship with the USA. The federal authorities desires to make use of all alternatives to have interaction in dialogue with its companions, emphasised the SPD chief earlier than discussions between worldwide finance ministers in Washington. “But we also see that the discussions are becoming more and more difficult and that the differences are getting bigger and bigger.”
Trump: NATO transfer does not change my evaluation
Trump had beforehand made it clear that he wouldn’t be dissuaded from his declare to possession of Greenland by makes an attempt by NATO states to increase the alliance’s presence within the Arctic. That Great Britain and Germany mentioned how the Nato can higher shield the Arctic doesn’t change his evaluation, he stated. Trump made it clear that he’s fascinated about long-term possession of Greenland. “We’re talking about acquisition, not about leasing.”
Trump repeatedly emphasizes that he desires to carry the island, which formally belongs to NATO associate Denmark, beneath US management – if crucial “the hard way”. He factors to the strategic significance of the island, a current supposedly giant presence of Russian and Chinese ships within the area – and Greenland’s mineral sources.
NATO is searching for a approach out of the dispute over Greenland
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated on the sidelines of talks in Croatia that additional steps had been at present being mentioned Arctic collectively we are able to make issues safer. NATO had already turn out to be extra lively final 12 months on the request of the allied Arctic states bordering the USA, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland. Rutte didn’t say what attainable steps may appear to be.
It had beforehand turn out to be recognized that a number of alliance states had spoken out in favor of beginning a brand new surveillance operation known as “Arctic Sentry”. It is meant to remove the Americans’ argument that safety within the strategically necessary area can’t be adequately assured.
Climate change will increase the significance of Greenland
The largest island on the planet lies between the USA, Russia and Europe and extends far into the Arctic Circle. Due to local weather change, the Arctic is changing into more and more fascinating for civil and navy transport. In addition, deposits of necessary minerals, together with uncommon earths, are additionally suspected in Greenland. However, their attainable degradation is taken into account very troublesome because of the weather conditions.
The USA already has intensive rights to make use of the island for its personal protection. The US navy has lengthy operated a navy base in Pituffik for missile protection and area surveillance missions.
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https://www.zeit.de/news/2026-01/13/deutschland-und-nato-werben-fuer-loesung-im-groenland-konflikt