NewsEU military chief urges caution as Trump eyes Greenland

EU military chief urges caution as Trump eyes Greenland

President Donald Trump wants the U.S. to take control of Greenland. The head of the EU Military Committee, General Robert Brieger, emphasizes that Europeans, like those in the U.S., have interests related to this island.

European soldiers in Greenland? EU General does not rule it out
European soldiers in Greenland? EU General does not rule it out
Images source: © EPA, PAP | Ondrej Deml

American President Donald Trump believes that the U.S. should take control of Greenland, a territory dependent on Denmark. He justifies this for "national security" reasons.

In response, German General Robert Brieger, who heads the European Union Military Committee (EUMC), suggested that Europe should also secure its interests related to this island. The island holds significant geopolitical importance and is crucial from a security policy perspective, said Brieger in an interview with Welt am Sonntag newspaper.

In my opinion, it would be very sensible if not only U.S. forces were stationed in Greenland, as is currently the case, but also to consider deploying EU soldiers there in the future. The German general added that this would send a strong signal and could contribute to stability in the region.

Potential for tensions

He also recalled that Greenland, although part of Denmark, is not within the EU. Nevertheless, he added that Europeans — just like those in the U.S. — have interests in Greenland. The island has rich natural resources and essential international trade routes.

However, the German general assessed that melting ice due to climate change also creates potential for tensions with Russia and possibly China.

He emphasized that he expects the United States, as a UN member state, to respect the inviolability of borders in accordance with the United Nations Charter.

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