The chairman of the European Union Military Committee, Robert Brieger has suggested stationing European troops in Greenland. In an interview with Germany’s Welt am Sonntag, Brieger suggested it “would make perfect sense” for EU forces to be stationed on the Danish autonomous territory, alongside U.S. troops already present.
This proposal comes amidst heightened international interest in Greenland, driven by its strategic location and rich natural resources. Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, holds immense geopolitical importance due to its location on the shortest route between Europe and North America.
It is also integral to the U.S. ballistic missile warning system, making it a vital security asset. With Arctic ice melting due to climate change, the region is becoming more accessible, raising concerns about potential tensions involving major powers like Russia and China.
Brieger emphasized that both Europe and the U.S. have vested interests in Greenland, noting its raw materials and strategic positioning. He warned that the changing landscape in the Arctic could lead to new geopolitical challenges, making the case for a stronger EU presence in the region.
Currently, Greenland is not part of the European Union, as it chose to leave the bloc in 1985. However, Brieger argued that the EU should consider deploying troops there in the future. “Ultimately, such a step would require a political decision,” the Austrian-born general clarified.
The European Union does not have its own standing army and relies on its member states for military cooperation. Meanwhile, NATO, a U.S.-led alliance, remains the primary defense organization for most EU countries.
The proposal for an EU troop presence also comes as the United States has renewed its focus on Greenland. President Donald Trump famously expressed interest in purchasing Greenland from Denmark, citing its strategic value.
While the idea of an outright acquisition was dismissed by Denmark, Trump made it clear that the U.S. views Greenland as a critical asset, even suggesting that military or economic pressure could be used to strengthen ties.
Brieger expressed hope that the U.S., as a member of the United Nations, would respect the principles of territorial integrity as outlined in the U.N. Charter.
As climate change reshapes the Arctic landscape, Greenland’s role in global geopolitics is becoming increasingly pronounced. Whether the EU will pursue Brieger’s suggestion remains uncertain, as it would require significant political will and coordination among member states.
For now, the Arctic remains a region where strategic interests of the EU, U.S., Russia, and China converge, making it a focal point for future international cooperation—or competition.
REUTERS