Researcher on Trump's Framework Deal: Expects Two Simultaneous Negotiation Processes US President Donald Trump and NATO's Secretary General have discussed the framework of a future deal on Greenland and the Arctic region. Defense researcher Marc Jacobsen believes that this will entail two related deals; the first within the NATO framework – and the second between the US and the Kingdom of Denmark.
Agreed to Increase Military Exercise Activity in Greenland Denmark and Greenland have decided to increase military presence in and around Greenland, in close cooperation with allies.
Several Meetings Between Greenland, Denmark and the US This Week This week, the Danish foreign minister and his Greenlandic counterpart will meet with the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, as well as the US Vice President in Washington, D.C. In addition, several American senators are traveling to Copenhagen to meet members of the Danish parliament.
White House Draws Up Plans to Acquire Greenland as Trump Revives Territorial Ambitions Donald Trump’s fixation on Greenland has entered a dangerous new phase with the White House actively drawing up acquisition plans, calling it a "national security priority." As U.S. actions in Venezuela reframe what Washington may be willing to do, European allies fear rhetoric is turning into policy. Even prediction markets like Polymarket are betting on Trump’s actions vis-à-vis Greenland.
Danish Extraordinary Meeting on Relations With the United States On Tuesday, January 6, the Danish Foreign Affairs Committee was called to an emergency meeting about "the kingdom's relationship with the United States."
Norway Assumes Leadership of NORDEFCO On January 1st, Norway assumed leadership of the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO) after Finland. War in Europe and heightened uncertainty have increased the significance of cooperation. "Europe can not take security for granted," says Norway's Minister of Defense, Tore O. Sandvik.
Who to Trust? Danish or Norwegian Intelligence? Comment: We are about to close on a turbulent year, to put it mildly. It might have been the most turbulent any of us can remember. So let us hope that next year offers something different, such as the Arctic remaining a region without armed conflict.
The Silk Gloves Are off and Europe Is in the Splits Comment: The silk gloves are off. It took the Danish Defence Intelligence Service to stand up against the USA and Donald Trump. Their message cannot be misunderstood: the USA is a threat to Europe.
Danish Intelligence Warns U.S. “Hemispheric Approach” Raises Arctic Security Uncertainty A sharper U.S. focus on its “immediate region” and the hemispheric approach of Washington’s new National Security Strategy has created doubts in Copenhagen about America’s long-term role in the Arctic. Denmark’sOutlook 2025concludes that this strategic shift could leave the region more exposed amid rising Russian and Chinese military activity.
Finland Seeks Allied Cooperation on Space-Based Surveillance in the High North Finland is building up satellite surveillance capability and wants to join forces with allies to strengthen collective defense, said Minister of Defense Antti Häkkänen at NATO's Arctic Space Forum. Key Finnish and Swedish space actors have already signed a letter of intent on cooperation.
The Kingdom of Denmark's Chairship of the Arctic Council: "Unifying" Nuuk, Grønland (High North News): In May, the Kingdom of Denmark took over the chairship of the Arctic Council, spearheaded by Greenland. “Greenland’s leading role in the council has been a unifying force within the kingdom,” says Kenneth Høegh, Chair of the Senior Arctic Officials, to High North News.
Nordic Defense Ministers and Chiefs of Defense Gathered to Enhance Joint Combat Power All Nordic defense ministers and chiefs of defense recently met in Helsinki. A key topic was the development of air forces capable of combined operations. “This is important for strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defense in the High North,” says Antti Häkkänen, Finnish Minister of Defense.
Denmark to Strengthen Arctic Defense by DKK 27,4 Billion The acquisition of a maritime patrol aircraft capability, additional Arctic vessels and drones, as well as the construction of a subsea cable between Greenland and Denmark. These are among the investments in a new Danish defense agreement on the Arctic and North Atlantic.
Danish Drone Incursions Reveal an Embarrassing Defense Policy Blind Zone Comment: On Thursday night, the Danish Police, defense, and intelligence organized a press conference. The topic was the recent drone incursions at Danish airports and defense installations. Neither the uniforms nor the dark suits could hide the fact that Denmark is entirely lost in regard to what hit them earlier this week.
Extensive Agreement Between Denmark and Greenland For the next four years, the Danish government will allocate DKK 1,6 billion for initiatives and investments in Greenland, including investments in ports and healthcare.
Arctic Light 2025: Denmark to Hold Military Exercise in Greenland with NATO Allies On Tuesday, the Danish Armed Forces will commence a major exercise in Greenland, with contributions from France, Germany, Sweden and Norway. The aim is to strengthen Denmark and NATO’s operational readiness in the region, as well as provide support for civil preparedness.
Denmark and Greenland's Message to the US: Any Attempt at Interference is Unacceptable Americans linked to US President Donald Trump are conducting influence operations in Greenland, the Danish Broadcasting Corporation reported on Wednesday. The same day, the top US diplomat in Denmark was summoned by the Danish Foreign Ministry.
Trump Places Greenland Under US Northern Command Greenland is now shifted from the US European Command area of responsibility to the US Northern Command area of responsibility. The change will strengthen the defense of the US homeland and contribute to deepening relationships with Arctic allies, according to Pentagon’s chief spokesperson.
The Faroe Islands, Greenland and Denmark Met for Talks on Security in Insecure Times The Kingdom of Denmark is in a dangerous situation, says the Danish prime minister, heralding new Arctic defense measures. At the same time, the realm is to be modernized, and the leaders of the Faroe Islands and Greenland call for foreign policy powers.
The Major Arctic Challenge Exercise 2025 is Cancelled The fighter jet exercise Arctic Challenge was to take place in May-June across Norway, Finland, Sweden and Denmark, with US participation. The decision to cancel the exercise was made in unity by the Nordic air force chiefs, informs the Norwegian Air Force.
Danish Armed Forces Increase Presence in Greenland The Danish Armed Forces will be more visible in and around Greenland in the near future. A frigate and two helicopters are now in place to strengthen the military operations in the Arctic. Deployment of fighter jets will also follow.
France’s President to Visit Greenland The French President Emmanuel Macron will go on an official visit to Greenland on June 15th. Denmark's Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, will also participate in the visit. Security in the North Atlantic and the Arctic are at the top of the agenda.
Arctic Council Chairship Handover: “We Must Move Forward With Courage,” Says Greenlandic Foreign Minister Tromsø, Northern Norway (High North News): The Kingdom of Denmark, spearheaded by Greenland, has taken over the chairship of the Arctic Council. The eight Arctic states have also agreed on a joint statement. "The Council must continue to be the foremost forum for cooperation in the Arctic," underlines Greenland's foreign minister.
Nordic Defense Ministers Met in Lapland: Updated NORDEFCO With New Agreement New measures are bolstering Nordic defense cooperation. Gathered in Rovaniemi, the Nordic defense ministers signed a revised NORDEFCO Memorandum of Understanding – and discussed stronger joint efforts within air defense and the defense industry.
Nordic Defense Ministers Met in Lapland: Updated NORDEFCO With New Agreement New measures are bolstering Nordic defense cooperation. Gathered in Rovaniemi, the Nordic defense ministers signed a revised NORDEFCO Memorandum of Understanding – and discussed stronger joint efforts within air defense and the defense industry.
Trump Continues Push for Greenland as U.S. Gathers Intelligence on Island and Debates Offering Special Status The Trump Administration is stepping up efforts in its pursuit of “acquiring” Greenland. U.S. spy agencies have been instructed to gather intelligence, while the Pentagon considers moving the island into the NORTHCOM military command. Tying Greenland to the U.S. through a Compact of Free Association is also being discussed.
Formidable Shield 2025: "One of NATO's Most Important Deterrence Exercises This Year" Today, around 2,500 soldiers from ten NATO nations began a highly relevant air and missile defense exercise at Andøya, Northern Norway. "The war in Ukraine shows the significance of being able to protect the airspace," says spokesperson at the Norwegian Joint Headquarters.
Formidable Shield 2025: "One of NATO's Most Important Deterrence Exercises This Year" Today, around 2,500 soldiers from ten NATO nations began a highly relevant air and missile defense exercise at Andøya, Northern Norway. "The war in Ukraine shows the significance of being able to protect the airspace," says spokesperson at the Norwegian Joint Headquarters.
Support of Independent Membership for Greenland and the Faroe Islands in Nordic Cooperation "The current geopolitical situation shows how important it is that we stick together in the Nordic region," says the Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers, arguing that Greenland and the Faroe Islands should be granted full-fledged participation in official Nordic cooperation.
“The US Can Become More Unpredictable on Climate Issues in the Arctic Council Than Russia” The Kingdom of Denmark’s Arctic Council chairship program form a good basis for further cooperation between the eight Arctic states. However, engaging the Trump administration in the council’s work on climate change could be particularly challenging, says FNI researcher.
The Kingdom of Denmark's Upcoming Arctic Council Chairship: Indigenous and Arctic People at the Top of the Agenda The Kingdom of Denmark takes over the chairship of the Arctic Council next month. "We will work diligently to keep the council vibrant and resilient, first and foremost for the Indigenous Peoples and inhabitants of the Arctic," states the realm, with Greenland at the forefront.
Denmark’s PM Stands Up to Trump’s USA and for Arctic Security "When you demand to take over a part of the Kingdom of Denmark’s territory. When we are met by pressure and threats from our closest ally. What are we to believe about the country we have admired for so many years?" the Danish PM Mette Frederiksen, recently visiting Greenland, pointed out to the US Trump administration.
Denmark’s PM Stands Up to Trump’s USA and for Arctic Security "When you demand to take over a part of the Kingdom of Denmark’s territory. When we are met by pressure and threats from our closest ally. What are we to believe about the country we have admired for so many years?" the Danish PM Mette Frederiksen, recently visiting Greenland, pointed out to the US Trump administration.
Arctic Guardian 2025: Multilateral Exercise on Maritime Emergency Response off Northern Norway The exercise, which gathers coast guard resources from the seven Western Arctic states, is underway. "In a changing Arctic, it is crucial that we train together, build trust, and understand each other's capabilities," says the Commander of Norway's Coast Guard.
Arctic Military Leaders Met Near the Norway-Russia Border: Discussed Hybrid Threats Last week, the Arctic Security Forces Roundtable was held in Kirkenes, Northern Norway, focusing on grey zone threats. "It is important to create understanding among our close allies about how the security situation in the Arctic is perceived in a turbulent and uncertain time," says the Norwegian Armed Forces.
Greenland's Incoming PM Stresses Building Stronger Partnership with Denmark "We have a strong partnership with Denmark, and that is what we are going to build on until the day we can be sovereign,” says Greenland's incoming prime minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen.
Greenlanders Vote in a Momentous Election: Six Parties Compete for 31 Seats Today, March 11, the people of Greenland elect their representatives to the Greenlandic parliament, Inatsisartut. In and around the election are major questions about the island's future, both in relation to the Kingdom of Denmark and Donald Trump's USA.
Trump Jr. Visited Greenland After Dad’s New Proposals About Buying the Country The US president-elect, Donald J. Trump, believes American "ownership and control over Greenland to be a necessity" and does not rule out the use of military force. His son visited the Arctic island yesterday. Greenlandic leaders emphasize that the country seeks to be an independent state but is open to more cooperation with the US.
I Was Going to Write About Hope, but the Danes Threw a Spanner in My Keyboard Comment: I was going to write something peaceful heading into a new Arctic year. Some hopeful observations despite the brutality that surrounds us. But then the Danish Security and Intelligence Service fired some early New Year fireworks into my keyboard.
Russian Arctic LNG Carrier Out of Commission Following Maintenance Struggles, Underscores Key Role of EU Yards Russia’s fleet of ice-capable LNG carriers keeps the gas flowing to Europe. But now one of the vessels,Christophe de Margerie,is out of commission as it struggles to receive maintenance and spare parts in European shipyards.
Nordic Defense Cooperation is Becoming Even More Tangible The Nordic Ministers of Defense will strengthen operational cooperation, enhance military mobility, and initiate drone collaboration. "These measures concretize the Nordic countries' efforts to be able to carry out joint military operations if deterrence fails," says professor.
Norway to Consider the Future of the Barents Euro-Arctic Council as Finland Withdraws Finland recently announced its withdrawal from the Barents Euro-Arctic Council after 2025. "From the Norwegian side, we will assess the path forward for the council together with the remaining members," says State Secretary Maria Varteressian in Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Faroe Islands Threatens to Exit Nordic Cooperation: “We Are either All in or Not at All” The Faroe Islands and Greenland will no longer accept exclusion from Nordic summits on foreign and security policy – and demand full-fledged membership of the Nordic Council and the Nordic Council of Ministers. Now the Nordic Council is calling for a renewal of the Helsinki Treaty.
The Faroe Islands Threatens to Exit Nordic Cooperation: “We Are either All in or Not at All” The Faroe Islands and Greenland will no longer accept exclusion from Nordic summits on foreign and security policy – and demand full-fledged membership of the Nordic Council and the Nordic Council of Ministers. Now the Nordic Council is calling for a renewal of the Helsinki Treaty.
The Faroe Islands Threatens to Exit Nordic Cooperation: “We Are either All in or Not at All” The Faroe Islands and Greenland will no longer accept exclusion from Nordic summits on foreign and security policy – and demand full-fledged membership of the Nordic Council and the Nordic Council of Ministers. Now the Nordic Council is calling for a renewal of the Helsinki Treaty.
Arctic Defense Ministers to Enhance Cooperation on Security and Defense in the Region The defense ministers and other representatives of the Arctic NATO countries, including the Faroe Islands and Greenland, recently met at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels. They discussed topical regional security issues and reaffirmed their shared commitment to increased cooperation in the Arctic.
Arctic Chiefs of Defense Meeting in Iceland Recently, the allied Arctic chiefs of defense met in Keflavík to discuss the regional security situation and the opportunities for increased cooperation. The US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff also met bilaterally with his counterparts from Norway, Sweden and Iceland.
Nordic Defense Cooperation Strengthened With New Joint Concept The Nordic Chiefs of Defense have signed an agreement on a joint defense concept for the region. This will synchronize the countries' defense plans and facilitate, among other things, more joint military exercises and educational activities, capacity building, and joint operations.
How Danish and French Yards Keep Russia's LNG Fleet Afloat Russian LNG continues to flow into Europe at record levels. Two shipyards in France and Denmark provide key dry dock services to keep the Yamal LNG fleet maintained. Since February 2022, 14 out of 15 ice-class LNG vessels in service of the project have traveled to either Damen Shiprepair in France or Fayard A/S in Denmark.
Northern Viking: Practicing the Defense of Iceland and Sea Routes in the North Atlantic On Monday, the US-led defense exercise Northern Viking kicked off in Iceland. Allied forces and Icelandic preparedness agencies are practicing securing critical national infrastructure and the sea lines of communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap.
