A recent proposal by General Robert Brieger, Chair of the European Union Military Committee (EUMC), to station EU soldiers in Greenland has sparked controversy. Brieger’s comments, made in an interview with the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag, suggest that a future presence of European soldiers on the Arctic island would be a logical step. However, Denmark has firmly rejected the idea, emphasizing that it is not on the political agenda.
Brieger’s comments come in the wake of heightened interest in Greenland, particularly after USA President Donald Trump’s proposal to purchase the island. Although widely ridiculed, Trump’s interest underscored Greenland’s strategic importance. Brieger’s suggestion, while unrelated, adds another layer to the ongoing discourse about the island’s role in global geopolitics.
General Brieger’s vision
Brieger argued that the stationing of EU soldiers in Greenland, alongside the longstanding presence of American troops, would be beneficial for European interests.
“From my perspective, it makes perfect sense not only to deploy American soldiers in Greenland, as has been the case so far, but also to consider placing EU soldiers there in the future,” said Brieger.
Currently, the United States has maintained a military presence in Greenland since World War II, operating bases such as Thule Air Base. Denmark, which manages Greenland’s foreign and defense policies, also maintains its own military operations in and around the island.
Danish minister: it’s not on the agenda
The proposal was swiftly dismissed by Denmark’s Minister of Defense, Troels Lund Poulsen (V), who clarified that Brieger’s comments reflect his personal opinion and do not align with current discussions.
“These statements are solely the responsibility of the Chair. This is not a topic that has been discussed with the Kingdom [of Denmark], within the EU, or among member states,” Poulsen stated in a written comment.
Poulsen’s remarks underscore the absence of any formal deliberations within the European Union or its Member State regarding military deployment in Greenland. The Minister’s stance aligns with Denmark’s cautious approach to Arctic sovereignty and international military involvement.
Greenland‘s strategic value
Greenland, though geographically part of North America and politically part of Danmark’s kingdom, has significant strategic value for both Europe and the United States due to its location and resources. While it is not an EU member, Greenland’s geopolitical significance remains a focal point for transatlantic security and global trade. Brieger’s proposal highlights the EU’s interest in expanding its influence in the Arctic region.
However, the lack of a unified EU military complicates such ambitions. The EU does not possess a standing army, relying instead on contributions from member States for defense and security initiatives. NATO remains the primary defense organization for most EU countries, further limiting the feasibility of independent EU military operations.
