Germany confirmed that it has completed the deployment of military forces to Greenland, according to information from the spokesman of the German Armed Forces, Mr. Peter Milevchuk on January 18. He said that the group of 15 German soldiers has completed their mission and the coordination with the Danish side is assessed as positive and constructive.
According to Mr. Peter Milevchuk, reconnaissance activities conducted by the German side will be analyzed in the coming days. The withdrawal takes place in the context of Denmark announcing the organization of a military exercise on Greenland Island, with the participation of many European countries such as Germany, France, Sweden, Norway and the UK. Each country sends from one to 15 soldiers to participate.
This military move comes after exchanges between Denmark, Greenland and the United States, ending with what is described as a "fundamental disagreement" between President Donald Trump's administration and European allies regarding the autonomous territory of Greenland. In recent weeks, Mr. Trump has stepped up efforts to bring Greenland out of Washington's control, a goal he has pursued since his first term.
Mr. Trump believes that owning Greenland is necessary for US national security, in order to cope with the influence of China and Russia in the Arctic. This argument is rejected by Beijing and Moscow. The US President has also repeatedly spoken about Denmark's military presence on the world's largest island, saying that defense capabilities are not enough.
Tensions escalated as Mr. Trump announced additional tariffs on trade partners who do not support the US's efforts to buy back Greenland. This statement faced strong reactions from European leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron criticized tariff threats and called for a unified response.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that this move harms transatlantic relations and reaffirmed solidarity with Denmark and Greenland. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that tax measures are wrong and weaken NATO, and pledged direct dialogue with the US.
