Germany and other alliance countries propose a joint approach to Arctic protection, but the U.S. president insists on purchasing Greenland. Meanwhile, Berlin sees no signs of preparations for a military operation, DW reports.
Germany and other NATO countries advocate for a joint solution with the United States regarding security issues in the Arctic and around Greenland. This was stated by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Washington after a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the evening of Monday, January 12.
Wadephul noted that he welcomes the planned negotiations between the governments of Denmark and the U.S. regarding Greenland this week and has no doubt that they will take place in a friendly and cooperative atmosphere. According to him, he has no reason to believe that Washington is seriously considering a military operation to annex the island.
Trump Insists on Purchasing Greenland
White House representative Caroline Levitt reiterated on Monday the position of U.S. President Donald Trump, who expresses an intention to buy Greenland. According to her, Trump fears that otherwise the island could fall under the control of China or Russia, which, she points out, does not serve the interests of the U.S., Europe, and Greenland itself.
Rubio plans to meet with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen this week, which is expected to include Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt. The exact date of the negotiations has not yet been announced. Danish media also report on the visit of several U.S. senators to Copenhagen for consultations with Danish and Greenlandic politicians.
Berlin Does Not Anticipate Military Escalation
Wadephul emphasized that discussions on security issues in the Arctic should take place within NATO. According to him, the North Atlantic Alliance is already developing specific proposals, and Germany is ready to contribute. He also noted that decisions on issues affecting Greenland and Denmark should be made by Greenland and Denmark themselves.
At the same time, the German Foreign Minister rejected the opinion that the U.S. under Trump has allegedly abandoned the Western value consensus. The United States, he said, is "on the side of Europe" in NATO and is "fully focused on protecting rights and freedoms in the Western world." "There is no doubt about this at all, and I also advise us Europeans not to question what is not questioned in Washington," Wadephul emphasized.
Merz's Positions and Disagreements in Berlin
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also considers U.S. involvement in strengthening NATO's presence around Greenland likely. He stated during a visit to India that Germany shares Washington's concerns about the need to enhance protection in this region and looks forward to joint efforts.
At the same time, German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil expressed "serious concern" about the state of transatlantic relations. According to him, the German government intends to use all opportunities for dialogue with partners; however, discussions are becoming increasingly complex, and disagreements are becoming more significant.
Strengthening Security in the Arctic
Trump, for his part, stated that NATO allies' proposals to enhance the alliance's presence in the Arctic do not change his position. He emphasized that it is about acquiring Greenland, not renting it, and again pointed out the strategic significance of the island.
For his part, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the alliance is discussing further steps to strengthen security in the Arctic. According to him, NATO has already become more active in the region at the request of Arctic member countries and continues to seek options to reduce tensions around Greenland.
