Europe Launches Greenland Recon Mission as White House Talks Expose 'Fundamental Disagreement'

Overview

• France, Germany, Sweden and Norway are deploying limited personnel for a short reconnaissance tied to Denmark’s Arctic Endurance exercise, with a 13‑member German team heading to Nuuk and initial French elements already en route.
• Copenhagen says it is reinforcing its military presence on the island and will consult NATO on increasing allied posture in the Arctic.
• After meeting Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Danish foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen reported a “fundamental disagreement” and announced a high‑level working group with Washington and Nuuk.
• President Trump linked the U.S. “need” for Greenland to his Golden Dome missile‑defense project for the first time and has not ruled out using force to obtain the territory.
• European capitals are pursuing a negotiated off‑ramp that could include Arctic security steps and co‑investment in critical minerals, while France plans to open a consulate in Greenland on 6 February.