New Delhi, January 19, 2026, 10:51 a.m. IST
Eight NATO allies deploy forces to Greenland despite Trump tariff threats. EU weighs Anti Coercion steps as US Congress mounts bipartisan backlash.
European security unity in the Arctic faced a major stress test after eight NATO allies moved forward with troop deployments in Greenland despite tariff threats from US President Donald Trump. The move triggered an emergency response within the European Union and sparked rare bipartisan backlash in the United States Congress, deepening concerns over a widening transatlantic rift.
The dispute centers on Greenland, a strategically vital Arctic territory governed by Denmark. Washington has renewed interest in acquiring the island, citing growing Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic. European allies have rejected any pressure linked to trade penalties, framing their military presence as defensive and sovereignty focused.
Joint statement by Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom 👇 pic.twitter.com/Gxf3F1Dc3p
— Denmark MFA 🇩🇰 (@DanishMFA) January 18, 2026
Operation Arctic Endurance Expands NATO Presence
Denmark launched Operation Arctic Endurance in early January 2026. The initiative invited NATO partners to participate in joint Arctic exercises focused on surveillance, infrastructure protection, maritime security, and air operations. According to Danish defense officials, the mission is designed to strengthen regional readiness and ensure freedom of navigation in the High North.
More than 100 troops were deployed to Nuuk and Kangerlussuaq. Participating countries include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland. Each nation contributed small specialized units for reconnaissance, patrol missions, and logistics support.
France sent special forces from its 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade. President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that additional air and naval assets were being prepared. Germany deployed a 15 member assessment team that concluded its review and returned home, while the United Kingdom and Nordic countries focused on maritime and air surveillance.
Defense planners stressed that the deployments have no fixed end date. Instead, they will rotate periodically to maintain a steady multinational presence. Danish officials described the effort as a clear signal of alliance cohesion rather than a provocation.
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Joint NATO Statement and Trump Tariff Threats
On Sunday, the eight participating nations issued a joint statement reaffirming NATO’s role in Arctic security. The declaration warned that economic pressure through tariffs undermines alliance trust and risks long term damage to transatlantic relations.
President Trump responded within hours by ordering a 10 percent tariff on goods imported into the United States from the eight nations starting February 1. The order includes a further escalation to 25 percent by June 1 unless negotiations move forward on what Trump described as the complete purchase of Greenland.
The White House justified the move by citing national security concerns. Officials argued that Greenland is critical for missile defense, space tracking, and countering Russian and Chinese expansion in the Arctic. European leaders dismissed the linkage between trade policy and territorial demands as unacceptable.
Denmark announced plans for a permanent enhanced presence around Greenland, including patrol aircraft, naval vessels, and additional troops. Copenhagen emphasized that the steps reflect responsibility for territorial defense under international law.
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EU Emergency Response and Anti Coercion Debate
Cyprus, which currently holds the rotating EU presidency, called an urgent meeting of EU ambassadors in Brussels. The focus is the bloc’s Anti Coercion Instrument, a legal tool adopted in 2023 to counter economic intimidation by third countries.
The instrument allows the EU to restrict market access, impose tariffs, or limit investment flows. It has never been used and is widely viewed as an option of last resort. European Parliament trade committee chair Bernd Lange urged serious consideration of activation, warning that failure to respond would set a dangerous precedent.
European People’s Party leader Manfred Weber went further, calling for a freeze on ratification of the July 2025 EU US trade agreement. Several diplomats urged caution, noting that retaliation could harm European exporters and consumers.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen launched a rapid diplomatic tour of Nordic and EU capitals to coordinate messaging and maintain unity. Officials stressed that Europe’s goal is de escalation, not confrontation.
Bipartisan Backlash in the United States
Opposition to the tariff strategy emerged quickly in Washington. Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski said linking tariffs to territorial acquisition damages alliances and plays into the hands of adversaries. Senator Thom Tillis warned that the policy risks weakening NATO at a moment of heightened global tension.
Democratic Senator Chris Coons echoed those concerns, arguing that trade tools should not be used to pressure allies. A bipartisan congressional delegation announced plans to visit Copenhagen to reinforce support for Denmark and alliance norms.
Lawmakers from both parties called for congressional oversight to prevent trade policy from being used as leverage in foreign territorial disputes. The criticism reflects broader unease over the use of economic power to pursue geopolitical objectives.
Growing Stakes in the Arctic
The Greenland dispute highlights the rising importance of the Arctic in global security. Melting ice has opened new shipping lanes and access to critical minerals, drawing interest from major powers. NATO members view coordination in the region as essential to maintaining stability.
As tariffs loom and diplomatic channels strain, the coming weeks will test whether transatlantic partners can contain the fallout. European leaders remain hopeful that dialogue can avert a full scale trade conflict, but preparations for retaliation signal that the bloc is ready to defend its interests.
“NATO has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that “you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland.” Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it. Now it is time, and it will be done!!!” – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/ZyFh9OsNsn
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 19, 2026
