Four opposition parties in Denmark are calling on the government of Mette Frederiksen to establish a European military contingent in Greenland. This is a response to growing tensions with the US, which – according to politicians – threatens to take over this Danish island.
Pelle Dragsted, leader of the Red-Greens, wrote on Platform X: “Denmark, the Nordic countries and Europe must do everything to defend Greenland and its people.” The politician emphasized that it was time to end leniency. “No more meekness and submission,” he appealed.
A similar position has been expressed in recent days by representatives of the Conservative People's Party, the Danish Social Liberal Party and the far-left Alternative, TV2 reports.
Prime Minister Frederiksen, representing the Danish Social Democrats, organized a joint statement on Tuesday with the leaders of Germany, France, Great Britain, Spain, Italy and Poland. These countries declared their readiness to defend the territorial integrity and inviolability of Greenland's borders. However, the document did not include a proposal to create an international military contingent.
The island does not have its own armed forces. Its security is guarded by the Danish Arctic Command (Arktisk Kommando), stationed in Nuuk. It consists of 250-300 soldiers, known, among others, from the use of dog sleds in difficult Arctic conditions.
Greenland has been the site of several international military exercises in recent months. In September 2025, Arctic Light maneuvers took place there with the participation of 550 soldiers from Denmark, Germany, France, Norway and Sweden. In August, the Danish armed forces conducted exercises PASSEX with France near Qaqortoq and also participated in Canada's Operation Nanook Tuugaalik, together with French and German units.
