By Micah Jonah
January 12, 2026
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said he expects the United States to continue playing a role in the protection of Greenland alongside Denmark, as discussions continue on how security cooperation in the Arctic territory will be structured.
Speaking to reporters on Monday in Ahmedabad, India, Merz said Germany was engaged in detailed talks with the Danish government aimed at strengthening Greenland’s security.
“We are in very detailed discussions with the Danish government and simply want to work together to improve the security situation for Greenland,” Merz said.
He added that the United States is expected to be part of the effort, though the precise form of Washington’s involvement will be determined by ongoing negotiations.
“I expect the Americans to also participate in this,” Merz said, noting that talks over the coming days and weeks would clarify how that participation would take shape.
Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has gained increased strategic importance due to its location in the Arctic and growing global interest in the region’s security and resources. The comments from Merz come amid wider debates within Europe and NATO over responsibility sharing and future security arrangements in the Arctic.
