France began deploying troops to Greenland on Thursday – confirming the presence of high-mountain specialists from the French army already on the ground – as other European countries prepared to send forces to the mineral-rich Arctic territory after inconclusive talks in Washington.
The move came as President Emmanuel Macron prepared to address the armed forces later in the day, following an emergency defence council convened at the Élysée on Greenland and Iran.
Macron travelled to the Istres air base in southern France after the meeting to deliver his annual address to the military.
He confirmed overnight that France was taking part, at Denmark’s request, in joint military exercises in Greenland alongside Germany and Nordic countries.
“The first French military personnel are already on their way. Others will follow,” the president said on X.
The deployment comes amid growing tension within NATO after US President Donald Trump renewed claims on Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, arguing it is vital for American security.
His remarks have alarmed European allies and unsettled transatlantic relations.
