Denmark Expects Long-Term NATO Presence in Greenland and Arctic

Danish Ministry of Defence

Danish Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus.

Denmark expects NATO to maintain an increased presence in Greenland and the wider Arctic region over the long term following a security agreement signed with the United States last week, Danish Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus said on Monday.

NATO launched a mission known as Arctic Sentry earlier this year to increase military exercises and patrols across the region, as the alliance sought to ease tensions over US President Donald Trump’s push to acquire Greenland.

Speaking to Reuters in Brussels, Bruus said Copenhagen hoped Arctic Sentry would continue beyond this year and next, with the aim of eventually becoming a permanent NATO mission.

Asked if he had clear signals from NATO allies that they were interested in such a scenario, Bruus said: "So far we are pretty positive that ‌the ⁠increased military presence in Greenland — but also in the Arctic — will continue."

The deal, signed by US President Donald Trump and the leaders of Denmark and Greenland at the United Nations last week, foresees the US adding two ⁠more bases beyond its existing one on the semi-autonomous Danish Arctic territory. But it also envisages a greater role for NATO.

Bruus said such a ⁠role would be important as melting ice caused by climate change opens up shipping routes in the Arctic.

"The build-up of ⁠interest in the Arctic, also from Russia, from China et cetera, demands that NATO has a greater presence in the High North," he said.

Source: Reuters



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