German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that Greenland’s security should be addressed within NATO, aligning himself with U.S. President Donald Trump’s concerns while seeking to prevent a rupture within the Alliance.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to India on Monday, Merz emphasized that Germany shares Washington’s view that Greenland requires stronger security guarantees, and expressed optimism that a mutually acceptable solution can be reached through NATO cooperation.
“We are indeed discussing Greenland within NATO. We share the American concerns that this part of Denmark needs to be better protected,” Merz said. “I hope that we will reach a mutually acceptable solution within NATO.”
Efforts to Preserve NATO Unity
Merz’s remarks come as European leaders intensify diplomatic efforts to persuade President Trump to step back from claims over Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, which is itself a NATO member state.
German officials have adopted a measured and conciliatory tone, portraying Trump’s position as rooted in legitimate security considerations, rather than confrontation, in order to preserve NATO cohesion.
“We simply want to work together to improve the security situation for Greenland,” Merz said, adding that U.S. involvement is expected, with details to be clarified in upcoming talks.
High-Level Diplomatic Talks Underway
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is scheduled to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, ahead of a trilateral meeting involving Greenland, Denmark, and the United States later this week.
Wadephul echoed Merz’s stance, stressing the strategic importance of the Arctic for NATO:
“Donald Trump has a point when he draws attention to the Arctic dimension of NATO security,” Wadephul said. “These issues can and should be addressed from within the Alliance.”
Concerns and Disputes Over Arctic Security
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned last week that any U.S. invasion of Greenland would effectively end NATO, underscoring the sensitivity of the issue.
While Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland is vital to U.S. security, accusing Denmark of insufficient defense efforts against Chinese and Russian military activity, security experts largely dispute these claims, noting that Moscow and Beijing primarily focus their military operations in the eastern Arctic.
