NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Thursday that alliance members must strengthen their security presence in the Arctic under a potential framework agreement with the United States, following President Donald Trump’s decision to step back from earlier threats involving Greenland.
Speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Rutte said NATO commanders will now work on the details of increased security needs in the Arctic region.
“We will come together in NATO with our senior commanders to work out what is necessary,” Rutte said. He added that he expects both Arctic and non-Arctic NATO members to contribute.
Rutte said the alliance could move quickly. “I have no doubt we can do this quite fast. Certainly, I would hope for 2026—possibly even early in 2026,” he said.
Trump’s earlier remarks about seeking control over Greenland, a territory of NATO member Denmark, raised concerns about tensions within the alliance and the risk of renewed trade disputes with Europe.
After weeks of pressure and criticism, Trump on Wednesday ruled out using force or imposing tariffs on countries opposing his position. He suggested instead that a negotiated framework agreement on Arctic cooperation could be reached.
Rutte said the focus now is on collective security and coordination within NATO, rather than unilateral actions.
