January 28, 2026, 3:11 p.mJanuary 28, 2026, 3:11 p.m
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a strengthening of European defense in the Arctic in view of the Greenland conflict.
“Recent events confirm that the situation in Greenland is a strategic wake-up call for all of Europe,” said Macron in Paris at the reception of Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen.
Emmanuel Macron next to Jens Frederik Nielsen and Mette Frederiksen.Image: keystone
“Given Russia’s posture in the far north, China’s economic presence and the strategic consequences of this rapprochement, we agree that we must strengthen our defense position in the Arctic,” Macron said. Several European countries, including France, started this at Denmark’s request as part of the joint military exercise “Arctic Endurance”.
Increased engagement in the Arctic
It is important to reaffirm European sovereignty and the European contribution to Arctic security and to contribute to the fight against foreign interference and disinformation, said Macron. In addition, strategic dependencies would have to be reduced. “We also support increased NATO engagement in the Arctic by establishing increased surveillance activity.” France is ready to take part, said Macron.
Some NATO states had already discussed the possible surveillance operation called “Arctic Sentry” before the change in the conflict with the USA over Greenland. This is intended to ensure a stronger presence for the alliance in the region. “The European Union must do its part in these efforts, including by revising its Arctic strategy this year,” said the French president. (hkl/sda/dpa)