Greenland's defence is common concern' for Nato, Danish prime minister says as European troops fly in

"The Danish prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, said Greenland's defence is a common concern for the whole of Nato, as troops started arriving from across Europe to bolster defence as a result of Donald Trump's threats to take the Arctic island by force. Troops from countries including France, Germany, Norway and Sweden were on their way to Greenland, a largely autonomous territory of the kingdom of Denmark, on Thursday."

"It comes after a difficult meeting in Washington on Wednesday between the foreign ministers of Greenland and Denmark, Vivian Motzfeldt and Lars Lkke Rasmussen, and the US vice-president, JD Vance, and secretary of state, Marco Rubio. The visit was intended to smooth relations between Denmark and Greenland and the US, but it did not appear to have the desired effect. Afterwards, Trump reiterated his previous comments that the US needs Greenland for national security, adding that Denmark could not be relied upon to protect the island and that something will work out."

"However, that does not change the fact that there is a fundamental disagreement because the American ambition to take over Greenland is intact, she added. This is obviously serious and therefore we continue our efforts to prevent that scenario from becoming a reality. There is, she said, an agreement within Nato that a strengthened presence in the Arctic is crucial for European and North American security."

Mette Frederiksen said Greenland's defence is a common NATO concern as troops from across Europe begin arriving to bolster defence after Donald Trump's threats to take the Arctic island by force. Troops from France, Germany, Norway and Sweden were reported en route to Greenland. Denmark announced it would increase its military presence and has invested in new Arctic capabilities. A difficult Washington meeting involved Greenland and Denmark foreign ministers and US officials; Trump reiterated US interest in Greenland and questioned Denmark's reliability. A working group will discuss improvements to Arctic security. Allies are conducting joint exercises in and around Greenland.

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