General Robert Briger, Chairman of the EU Military Committee, photo: Petros Karadjias/AP
The Chairman of the European Union Military Committee, Robert Briger, called for consideration of the possibility of deploying EU troops in Greenland, a territory of Denmark that is of strategic importance to Europe and the United States.
In an interview with the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag published on Saturday and quoted by Reuters, the Austrian general said that a political solution allowing EU countries to deploy troops in Greenland would be “logical”. This would depend on the consent of Denmark, which is a sovereign EU member state.
The strategic importance of Greenland
Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, is not a member of the EU, but its strategic location and natural resources are attracting increasing interest from European countries. Briger noted that the melting of glaciers due to climate change opens up new opportunities, but also increases the risk of geopolitical tension from Russia and possibly China.
“Greenland’s resources and strategic position create a certain potential for tension, especially in view of climate change,” the general said.
US interest in the region
The United States has long been interested in Greenland because of its key location along the shortest route between Europe and North America. The territory plays an important role in the US ballistic missile warning system. Former President Donald Trump has even publicly expressed his intention to acquire Greenland, which has caused controversy.
Trump did not rule out the use of economic or military influence to persuade Denmark to cede the territory. However, Robert Briger stressed that any such actions must comply with the principles of inviolability of borders as defined in the UN Charter:
“I hope that the United States, as a member of the United Nations, will respect international principles and the sovereignty of Denmark,” Briger added.
Possibility of deploying EU troops
General Briger stressed that, subject to a political agreement between EU member states and Denmark, it would be appropriate to consider the deployment of European troops in Greenland, as has already been done with US troops.
