NATO chief says allies must step up Arctic security in Greenland deal with Trump

DAVOS, Switzerland – NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said on Jan 22 that NATO allies will need to step up their presence in the Arctic under a framework deal that emerged after US President Donald Trump backed off tariff threats and ruled out taking Greenland by force.

Mr Rutte said on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, that it was now up to NATO’s senior commanders to work through the details of extra security requirements.

“I have no doubt we can do this quite fast. Certainly, I would hope for 2026, I hope even early in 2026,” he said.

Mr Trump’s ambition to wrest sovereignty over Greenland from fellow NATO member Denmark has threatened to blow apart the alliance that underpinned Western security since the end of World War II and reignite a trade war with Europe.

After weeks of threats, Mr Trump stepped back from the threat of imposing tariffs on countries opposing his plans and ruled out using force.

His abrupt U-turn on Jan 21 triggered relief and a rebound in European markets but also questions about how much damage has already been done to transatlantic ties.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said no negotiations has been held with NATO regarding the sovereignty of Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark.

“It is still a difficult and serious situation, but progress has also been made in the sense that we have now got things where they need to be. Namely, that we can discuss how we promote common security in the Arctic region,” Ms Frederiksen said.

After meeting with Mr Rutte, Mr Trump said there could be a deal that satisfies his desire for a missile-defence system and access to critical minerals while blocking what he says are Russia’s and China’s ambitions in the Arctic.

Mr Rutte said minerals exploitation was not discussed during his meeting with Mr Trump, adding that specific negotiations on the Arctic island would continue between the United States, Denmark and Greenland itself.

Mr Rutte also said the intensified Arctic effort would not drain resources in support of Ukraine, whose President Volodymyr Zelensky was scheduled to meet Mr Trump on Jan 22.

Asked if NATO allies can take Mr Trump at his word, Mr Rutte responded: “You can always take Donald Trump at his word.”

Worries on future of ties

However, diplomats told Reuters that European Union leaders will rethink relations with the US as the Greenland episode has badly shaken confidence in the transatlantic relationship.

EU governments remain wary of another change of mind from the US president, who is increasingly seen as a bully Europe will have to stand up to.

“Trump crossed the Rubicon. He might do it again. There is no coming back to what it was, and leaders will discuss it,” one EU diplomat said, adding the EU needed to find an alternative to its dependence on the US in many areas.

There were also mixed feelings among some residents in the Greenland capital, Nuuk.

“I’m very thrilled to hear that, first of all, because he has been saying a lot of stuff about taking Greenland with force, like he’ll do it the hard way, which is so scary to hear,” said Ms Ivi Luna Olsen, a tour guide.

“But I’m also like keeping my hopes down and still, like, hoping for the best and preparing for the worst because sometimes he can be saying a lot of stuff.”

Addressing the issue for the first time in public, President Vladimir Putin said on Jan 21 Greenland’s ownership was not Russia’s concern.

China’s Foreign Ministry said on Jan 22 that “the so-called China threat” to Greenland was groundless.

Don’t give up on NATO

Mr Trump’s push to seize Greenland had threatened to reignite a trade war with Europe and some business groups remain wary.

“What President Trump announces today may be obsolete tomorrow. Reliability is not a minor issue in international trade, but rather a key prerequisite for investment and growth,” Mr Dirk Jandura, president of Germany’s wholesale and export association BGA told Reuters.

“The ongoing unpredictability is causing lasting damage to confidence in trade relations and remains a serious risk to the global economy.”

Also speaking in Davos, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed Mr Trump’s move, saying countries should not give up on NATO.

“Despite all the frustration and anger of recent months, let us not be too quick to write off the transatlantic partnership,” he added. REUTERS