At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged to strengthen Germany's role in Arctic security and offered solidarity to Denmark and Greenland. He emphasized protecting sovereignty and territorial integrity in the High North amid concerns about Russia's regional activity and growing interest from other powers. Merz said Germany will act through NATO and increase its efforts alongside European allies.
Merz Pledges Germany Will Bolster Arctic Security and Stand With Denmark and Greenland
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks after the meeting of the CDU Federal Executive Committee. The CDU executive board meets for its annual kick-off meeting and wants to adopt a declaration on economic policy. Michael Kappeler/dpa
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged on Thursday that Germany will strengthen its role in securing the Arctic, offering solidarity to Denmark and the people of Greenland as Western attention on the region grows.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Merz framed the move as part of a broader effort to respond to rising strategic competition in the High North, citing concerns about Russia's regional activity and the increased interest of other global powers.
"Our neighbours and partners in Europe, including Denmark and the people of Greenland, can rely on our solidarity," Merz said. "We will protect Denmark, Greenland and the North from the threat posed by Russia. We will defend the principles that underpin the transatlantic partnership: sovereignty and territorial integrity."
Merz welcomed the United States for taking regional threats seriously and said European NATO members must do more to secure the High North together. "Germany is already playing its part. We are acting within NATO's framework and we will increase our efforts," he added.
Context
The statement comes amid renewed Western focus on the Arctic, including past public suggestions by former US President Donald Trump about acquiring Greenland and wider concern over Russia's and China's activities in the region. Merz's remarks signal Germany's intention to deepen cooperation with NATO partners and Arctic stakeholders to safeguard sovereignty and maritime security.
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