Anna Hartz
The Arctic is becoming more important every year. Melting ice is opening new sea routes.
Military activity in the region is increasing. Several world powers now see the far north as a strategic area. This has raised concern among European countries that depend on stable transport and security routes.
Concerns About Russia and China
Germany has announced that it will send a reconnaissance team to Greenland together with other NATO partners, reports Digi24. The decision was taken because of concerns about Russia and China in the Arctic. The German Defense Ministry said the goal is to study how security can be ensured in the region. The mission will be led by Denmark and will include several European countries.
The ministry said the team will assess local conditions and military needs. It will focus on security risks linked to growing Russian and Chinese activity. Officials stressed that the operation does not relate to any territorial claims. The statement did not mention interest from the United States in taking control of Greenland.
The mission comes at a time of political tension. US President Donald Trump has said he wants control over Greenland. The island authorities have rejected this idea. Denmark and other European countries have also opposed it. Washington says Greenland is important for national security because of Arctic competition.
Transport Routes Threatened
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said European countries want to help protect the Arctic. He said this will be done in close coordination with the United States. He warned that Russia and China are using the Arctic more for military purposes. He said this could threaten transport routes and communication lines.
Russia has reacted strongly to the NATO move. Moscow accused the alliance of pushing rapid militarization in the Arctic. Russian officials said the threat from Russia and China is being used as an excuse. They denied aggressive intentions in the region.
According to the German Defense Ministry, the German team will include thirteen people. They will travel to Karup in Denmark on Thursday. There they will join Danish and other European forces. On Friday they will fly together to Greenland. They will travel on a Danish civilian aircraft.
The ministry said the mission will gather key information. It will study terrain conditions. It will also assess training and deployment options. Officials said the findings will help NATO partners prepare for future operations in the Arctic.
Sources: Digi24
