France began deploying troops to Greenland on Thursday – confirming the presence of high-mountain specialists from the French army already on the ground – as other European countries prepared to send forces to the mineral-rich Arctic territory after inconclusive talks in Washington.
The move came as President Emmanuel Macron prepared to address the armed forces later in the day, following an emergency defence council convened at the Élysée on Greenland and Iran.
Macron travelled to the Istres air base in southern France after the meeting to deliver his annual address to the military.
He confirmed overnight that France was taking part, at Denmark’s request, in joint military exercises in Greenland alongside Germany and Nordic countries.
“The first French military personnel are already on their way. Others will follow,” the president said on X.
The deployment comes amid growing tension within NATO after US President Donald Trump renewed claims on Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, arguing it is vital for American security.
His remarks have alarmed European allies and unsettled transatlantic relations.
Macron warns of 'cascading consequences' if US seizes Greenland
European forces en route
France’s ambassador for the poles, Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, said around 15 French soldiers were already involved.
“They are high-mountain specialists such as the chasseurs alpins,” he told FranceInfo radio, adding they were taking part in a preparation exercise “aimed at deterrence” to “show the United States that NATO is present”.
The mission, known as Operation Arctic Endurance, is running from Thursday to Saturday.
Germany said it was sending a 13-member reconnaissance team to Nuuk over the same period, while Sweden and Norway are also taking part. Denmark’s armed forces said they would continue strengthening their military presence in Greenland with support from European allies.
Greenland’s deputy prime minister, Mute Egede, said NATO soldiers were expected to be “more present” in the coming days, with additional military flights and ships. He described the activities as training.
Political pressure in Paris
The Greenland deployment comes as France struggles to agree a 2026 budget. Macron has asked parliament to increase military spending by 3.5 billion euros next year, citing the war in Ukraine and an increasingly brutal world.
Jean-Philippe Tanguy, a senior figure in the far-right Rassemblement national party, called on Macron to explain France’s position clearly.
He urged the president “to speak directly to the French people” about Greenland and the situation in Iran.
Tensions sharpened after talks in Washington on Wednesday between American, Danish and Greenlandic officials failed to bridge differences over Greenland.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said a US takeover of the territory was “absolutely not necessary”.
“We have a fundamental disagreement, but we also agree to disagree,” he told reporters.
Trump later struck a more conciliatory tone, saying he had “a very good relationship with Denmark” while again refusing to rule out any options.
(with newswires)
