Merz plans to convince US to abandon plans for Greenland

Merz noted that while he shares the United States’ "long-term" concerns about security in the Arctic, it cannot be ignored that the US previously had "over 30,000" troops stationed there, while now there are "fewer than 200." This, he said, shows that even the American threat assessment "isn’t as dramatic as it’s being portrayed."

The Chancellor clarified that this does not mean the situation could not escalate rapidly in the near future. Therefore, European NATO allies need to do more to protect a region that will "certainly" receive increased attention in the coming years.

The head of the German government emphasized the need to uphold the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty of Greenland and Denmark. Merz assured that he would do everything possible to convince the United States not to violate these principles, as doing so "would have further consequences, including for cooperation within NATO." He expressed confidence that the issue could be resolved through diplomatic means.

Separately, the Chancellor mentioned the deployment of German soldiers to Greenland.

The United States could not have been surprised by the mission to Greenland, as it was discussed in advance at the NATO Council in the presence of a US representative, Merz said.

According to him, the reconnaissance and exploratory mission was completed on schedule.

Trump’s claims on Greenland

Over the past month, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that Greenland should be annexed by the United States. He has justified these plans by claiming that the island could fall under Russian or Chinese control and therefore needs protection.

In recent days, the American leader announced tariffs on a number of European countries. According to him, such measures would remain in place until Europe agrees to sell Greenland to the United States.