Germany has abruptly withdrawn its 15 troops deployed in Greenland just 44–48 hours after their arrival, amid rising diplomatic tensions with the United States. The decision came shortly after President Donald Trump announced additional tariffs of 10%, which could increase to 25%, on eight European countries, including Germany, over their military presence on the Arctic island.
The German contingent, initially sent on a reconnaissance mission alongside other European forces, returned to Copenhagen, Denmark, after United States economic pressure was interpreted as a potential threat to transatlantic cooperation in the Arctic.
The withdrawal adds to a climate of political and trade disputes between the United States and its European allies, who argue that their deployments in Greenland pose no threat and emphasize the importance of cooperation in regional security.
Why did Germany withdraw its troops?
Because U.S. tariff threats, linked to commercial and geopolitical disputes over Greenland, increased pressure on Berlin, prompting the government to pull back its contingent amid growing transatlantic tensions.