EU military chief says it would make sense to put troops in Greenland: report
The top European Union military official, Robert Brieger, recently suggested that it would be advantageous to station troops from EU countries in Greenland. This proposal comes in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s expressed interest in acquiring the Danish territory. In an interview with Germany’s Welt am Sonntag, Brieger emphasized the strategic importance of Greenland and highlighted the potential benefits of having both U.S. and EU forces stationed there.
As the chairman of the European Union Military Committee, Brieger noted that deploying EU soldiers in Greenland would require a political decision. While the EU does not have its own dedicated army, the military committee serves as a consultative body within the European Council. Brieger emphasized that the U.S.-led NATO alliance remains the primary military partnership for the EU.
Despite Greenland not being a part of the EU, Brieger emphasized that European countries, as well as the U.S., have interests in the region. He cited Greenland’s abundance of raw materials and its strategic location as key factors driving international interest. Additionally, Brieger highlighted the potential for tension with Russia and China due to increasing ice melt caused by climate change.
President Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland has raised concerns about the region’s geopolitical significance. Greenland’s strategic location along the shortest route from Europe to North America is essential for the U.S. ballistic missile warning system, making it a priority for the Trump administration. However, Brieger expressed hope that the U.S., as a member of the United Nations, would respect the inviolability of borders as outlined in the U.N. Charter.
In conclusion, Brieger’s proposal to station EU troops in Greenland reflects the growing geopolitical importance of the region. With competing interests from major world powers, the strategic value of Greenland is becoming increasingly apparent. It remains to be seen how this proposal will be received by EU member states and how it will impact the broader geopolitical landscape.
