France to deploy troops to Greenland, Macron says
Photo: Emmanuel Macron (Getty Images)
France has announced its readiness to take part in joint NATO exercises in Greenland, organized by Denmark, with the first units already deployed to the exercise area, according to a post by French President Emmanuel Macron on X.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will participate in joint military exercises organized by Denmark in Greenland.
According to Macron, the operation, named Arctic Endurance, has already begun, with the first French units en route to the exercise area.
Objectives and scope
Macron said France’s participation aims to strengthen cooperation with NATO allies and enhance security in the Arctic region. Additional contingents are expected to arrive after the initial deployment, allowing for comprehensive training across a range of climatic and tactical conditions.
Context and significance
The exercises come amid growing competition for influence in the Arctic and the need to demonstrate NATO’s readiness for coordinated action. France emphasized the importance of close allied coordination and preparedness to protect strategically significant territories in northern latitudes.
Why Greenland become focal point
Following a recent operation in Venezuela, US President Donald Trump has again turned attention to Greenland, signaling an intent to bring the island within the United States sphere of influence.
Greenland, the world’s largest island off the coast of Canada, remains strategically important despite a population of about 56,000. Historically, it hosted US military facilities, including nuclear-related sites; today, the Pituffik Space Base remains operational for space surveillance.
Trump has argued that Greenland should come under US control to host the Golden Dome missile defense system, warning that without urgent action, the island could fall under Russian or Chinese influence. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller has said Greenland should become part of the US national security system and did not rule out the use of force.
China has sharply condemned the US interest in Greenland, urging Washington not to turn other states into instruments of its geopolitical aims.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated that Greenland is not for sale and that its people will decide their own future. Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede has stated there is broad public support for keeping the island under Greenlandic control, a position Copenhagen says remains unchanged.
