US President Donald Trump
Brussels, 23 January 2026.- NATO member countries have achieved an unprecedented consensus in favour of a permanent Alliance presence in the Arctic and around Greenland, announced on Thursday Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Brussels. This decision comes in a context of diplomatic tensions with the United States and reflects a collective awareness of the growing strategic stakes in this key region.
The transatlantic climate has deteriorated as a result of the controversial initiatives of US President Donald Trump, including the creation of a « Peace Council » whose legitimacy is contested by Europeans. The European Union has expressed serious doubts about this forum with vague governance and incompatible with the UN Charter. Several Member States, including France and Spain, declined the US invitation, while the UK boycotted the launch ceremony due to Vladimir Putin's announced presence.
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed a return to a situation « more acceptable » on Greenland, while calling for vigilance and European unity. Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen recalled that any discussion on the future of the island must respect the right to self-determination, the sovereignty of Greenland and Denmark constituting a « red line « .
If the current de-escalation gives rise to some relief in Europe, the crisis will leave lasting traces within NATO. Confidence between allies appears eroded, revealing deep differences between US and European strategic priorities, and undermining transatlantic geopolitical balance.
W.A.
