NATO Moves Toward Compromise on Greenland Dispute
ISTANBUL | 25 January 2026 (Updated 25 January 2026)
NATO is moving closer to a practical compromise over differences among member states regarding Greenland, according to a senior alliance official.
Speaking to Lithuania’s public broadcaster LRT on Sunday, Lt. Gen. Remigijus Baltrenas, director general of NATO’s International Military Staff, said ongoing consultations within the alliance are building greater understanding and realism among allies.
Baltrenas described the issue as primarily a bilateral matter between two countries, while noting that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and member-state ambassadors are leading discussions that are progressing positively.
He added that any agreement should serve the interests of the entire alliance, as well as Europe and the United States.
NATO Presence in the Arctic Remains Unaffected
Baltrenas stressed that NATO already maintains a strong military presence in the Arctic. He pointed to regular US and Canadian exercises under the NORAD framework, some of which take place in Greenland.
According to him, current political tensions have not disrupted these drills or other routine NATO exercises. He also noted that Denmark has proposed a possible NATO mission in Greenland.
Arctic Gains Strategic Importance
Baltrenas said the Arctic region has grown more strategically important, driven by increased interest from Russia and China in the Northern Sea Route.
He added that Sweden and Finland, NATO’s newest members, are now fully integrated into the alliance’s regional defense planning, strengthening security across northern Europe.
Ukraine Security and Defense Spending
Turning to Ukraine, Baltrenas said NATO members have not yet reached a final agreement on post-war security guarantees, despite recent meetings of the so-called “coalition of the willing.”
However, he emphasized that Ukraine’s own armed forces remain the primary guarantor of the country’s security.
Amid discussions in Europe about strategic autonomy, Baltrenas reaffirmed that NATO must remain the backbone of European defense, while the European Union should rely on economic and political tools.
He also highlighted a sharp rise in defense spending across the alliance, recalling a decision at the Hague summit to aim for defense budgets of up to 5% of GDP.
“All member states have now exceeded the 2% minimum,” he said, adding that Lithuania and other Baltic countries are already spending more than 5%.
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