NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told Reuters on Thursday that the Greenland framework deal with U.S. President Donald Trump requires NATO allies to enhance Arctic security, with initial results expected this year.
Speaking from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Rutte stated that NATO commanders must now implement the specifics of enhanced security, expressing confidence that non-Arctic NATO allies would support the initiative.
“We will come together in NATO with our senior commanders to work out what is necessary,” an upbeat Rutte said, adding, “I have no doubt we can do this quite fast. Certainly, I would hope for 2026, I hope even early in 2026.”
Rutte said mineral exploitation was not discussed during his meeting with Trump in Davos on Wednesday. Negotiations on the Arctic island would continue between the United States, Denmark and Greenland itself, he said.
Rutte also said the intensified Arctic effort would not drain resources in support of Ukraine, which relies heavily on NATO members for military backing in its war with Russia.
Trump on Wednesday said the U.S. would not use force to pursue his ambition to acquire Greenland and later dropped the threat of additional tariffs against some of Washington’s European allies and fellow NATO members over the issue.
Asked if NATO allies can take Trump at his word, Rutte replied: “You can always take Donald Trump at his word”.
Rutte, whom Trump acknowledged during his Davos address, was asked how he seemed to be the most capable of guiding conversations with the U.S. president to a positive outcome.
“I’ve no idea. I can only tell you that I like the guy, that I respect his leadership,” Rutte said.
