European leaders have jointly reaffirmed their commitment to Arctic security and Greenland’s sovereignty, underscoring the region’s strategic role in global and transatlantic stability.
The statement, issued January 6, 2026, was signed by President Emmanuel Macron of France, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, Prime Ministers Giorgia Meloni (Italy), Donald Tusk (Poland), Pedro Sánchez (Spain), Rishi Sunak (UK), and Mette Frederiksen of Denmark.
“Arctic security remains a key priority for Europe and it is critical for international and transatlantic security,” the leaders said.
They stressed that NATO has declared the Arctic region a priority, with European Allies increasing their presence, activities, and investments to keep the Arctic safe and to deter adversaries.
“The Kingdom of Denmark, including Greenland, is part of NATO,” the statement emphasised, highlighting the region’s integral role within the alliance.
The Arctic has long been a region of strategic importance due to its vast natural resources, including oil, gas, and minerals, as well as its emerging shipping routes made accessible by melting ice caused by climate change.
Historically, the Arctic was primarily a zone of peaceful scientific exploration and indigenous habitation, but in recent decades, geopolitical interest has intensified among global powers.
The leaders called for security in the Arctic to be achieved collectively, in conjunction with NATO allies including the United States, affirming their commitment to upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders.
They described these as universal principles, and they will not stop defending them.
The United States, recognizing Greenland’s strategic location between North America and Europe, has shown increasing interest in the island, which is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Greenland’s proximity to the Arctic and Atlantic makes it a valuable military and surveillance outpost. Concerns over rival powers, especially Russia and China, expanding their influence in the Arctic have pushed the US to strengthen its presence.
While not seeking outright invasion, the US aims to ensure control over critical infrastructure and to secure alliances that bolster its strategic foothold in the region, contributing to broader Arctic security and defense objectives.
Acknowledging the United States’ role, they recognized it as an essential partner in this endeavour, as a NATO ally and through the defence agreement between the Kingdom of Denmark and the United States of 1951.
In a clear assertion of respect for Greenland’s autonomy, the statement concluded, “Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland.”
This statement comes amid heightened geopolitical competition in the Arctic, where strategic resources and new shipping routes are driving increased interest from global powers.
The unified stance from key European nations signals their resolve to maintain stability and uphold international law in the region.
By emphasizing NATO’s role and the collaboration with the United States, the statement reaffirms transatlantic unity in safeguarding the Arctic’s security and the sovereignty of its nations.
As tensions in the Arctic escalate, this joint declaration underlines a shared commitment to peaceful cooperation, collective defence, and respect for territorial rights.
