NATO working on Greenland issue 'behind the scenes', Rutte says

NATO’s Mark Rutte says he is addressing U.S.-Europe tensions over Trump’s Greenland proposal privately, emphasizing the alliance’s focus on defending the Arctic against Russian and Chinese influence.

Bart Meijer/Reuters

January 21, 2026

NATO working on Greenland issue 'behind the scenes', Rutte says

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte attends the 56th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 21, 2026.

Denis Balibouse/Reuters

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Wednesday said he would not publicly comment on the tensions between the United States and its European allies over President Donald Trump's demand to take over Greenland.

"You can be assured that I'm working on this issue behind the scenes, but I cannot do it in public," Rutte said during a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

"President Trump and other leaders are right. We have to do more there. We have to protect the Arctic against Russian and Chinese influence," he said.

"We are working on that, making sure that collectively we'll defend the Arctic region."

-Bart Meijer/Reuters