French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will deploy additional land, air and naval forces to Greenland as part of a European military exercise, following heightened tensions sparked by threats from Washington to seize the autonomous Danish territory.
Speaking to French troops on Thursday during a New Year address, Macron said a first contingent of French service members was already on the ground in Greenland and would soon be reinforced with more military assets.
“A first team of French service members is already on site and will be reinforced in the coming days with land, air, and maritime assets,” Macron stated.
He stressed that Europe must remain firm in defending its interests while avoiding unnecessary escalation. “France and the Europeans must continue to be present wherever their interests are threatened — without escalation, but uncompromising when it comes to respect for territorial sovereignty,” he said.
Earlier on Thursday, Germany explained that the European mission to Greenland was designed to assess security options in response to growing Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic region.
Macron’s remarks come as Europe’s most devastating conflict since World War II enters its fourth year, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Global tensions have also intensified after the United States refused to rule out military action against Iran amid a violent crackdown on protesters.
The French president warned that the world is witnessing “the return of destabilising powers,” citing Russia’s actions in Europe, Iran’s role in the Middle East, and what he described as “a new colonialism at work among a few.”
As part of France’s response, Macron announced a major boost in defence spending. An additional €36 billion ($41 billion) will be added to the defence budget by 2030, on top of the €413 billion already allocated for the 2024–2030 period.
“To remain free, you must be feared. To be feared, you must be powerful,” Macron said. “And to be powerful in this brutal world, you have to move faster and hit harder.”
The move signals a firmer European posture in the Arctic, a region increasingly viewed as a strategic flashpoint amid growing global competition.
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