The German military has concluded its reconnaissance mission in Greenland, withdrawing its 15-strong team after a brief deployment. The departure comes as diplomatic tensions between the United States and European allies intensify over President Donald Trump’s threat of escalating tariffs on several European nations, including Germany, in exchange for Greenland.
The German Bundeswehr reconnaissance team arrived in Greenland on Friday and departed on Sunday, completing a mission that lasted approximately 44 hours. The deployment, requested by Denmark, was intended to assess conditions for potential NATO exercises in the region. A spokesperson for the German command and control center confirmed that the mission was completed successfully and as ordered, with the results of the reconnaissance to be analyzed in the coming days. The military emphasized that the mission was not aborted.
The German military’s withdrawal coincides with a significant diplomatic standoff between the US and several European countries. President Trump has threatened to impose escalating tariffs on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland. These tariffs, set to begin at 10% in February and rise to 25% in June, are contingent on the US acquiring Greenland from Denmark. European leaders have strongly condemned these threats, viewing them as an attempt at economic coercion that undermines transatlantic relations and Arctic security.
In response to Trump’s tariff threats, European nations have presented a united front. Seven European countries, along with Denmark, issued a joint statement expressing solidarity and warning against a “dangerous downward spiral” in relations. The European Union is preparing for an extraordinary meeting of its leaders to coordinate a response. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa have affirmed the EU’s commitment to upholding sovereignty and protecting its economic and security interests. Discussions are underway regarding the potential activation of the EU’s “anti-coercion instrument” to counter economic intimidation.
Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, holds significant strategic importance due to its location in the Arctic and its rich mineral resources. President Trump has cited concerns over growing influence from China and Russia as justification for his desire for US control over the island. However, European allies maintain that the NATO alliance is capable of collectively safeguarding Arctic security.