BRUSSELS 

Estonia, the Netherlands and Finland on Thursday expressed their readiness to support a possible European military exercise in Greenland, amid growing tensions over US President Donald Trump's intention to take control of the Danish territory.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said in a post on US social media platform X that his country is contributing to the planning of a joint European military exercise in Greenland and is prepared to deploy troops if requested.

The UK, France, Germany, Sweden, and Norway have already announced plans to deploy troops to the autonomous Danish territory.

Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans highlighted the strategic relevance of security in the Arctic, including Greenland, for European and NATO allies.

In a statement on X, Brekelmans said the Netherlands, together with other NATO partners, is conducting a joint reconnaissance mission led by Denmark in Greenland aimed at preparing a military exercise in the Arctic region.

"The Ministry of Defense is sending an officer from the Royal Netherlands Navy. The purpose of the reconnaissance is to identify options for a joint exercise in the Arctic region. Based on the reconnaissance, the exercise will be further developed and planned," he said.

Brekelmans added that a broader deployment under NATO’s Arctic Sentry mission could be a possible next step, noting that discussions on the matter will continue within the alliance.

Finland has also announced its participation. According to the Finnish Defense Ministry, Helsinki will send two liaison officers to Greenland at Denmark's request to explore the possibilities for military exercises.

"Strengthening security in the Arctic region requires increasing efforts from the Alliance," the statement said.

Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has attracted US interest due to its strategic location and vast mineral resources, as well as alleged concerns about rising Russian and Chinese activity.

Denmark and Greenland have rejected proposals to sell the territory, reaffirming Danish sovereignty over the island.

Several European countries are boosting their military presence in Greenland through exercises and reconnaissance missions, while Trump has insisted the territory should be "in the hands of the US" to counter Russia and China.

After a White House meeting on Wednesday, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said their discussion had failed to change the American position.