Italy weighs NATO role in Greenland as US interest stirs Arctic tensions

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has stated that Italy is open to increasing its military involvement in Greenland, but strictly within a NATO framework and not as a unilateral action. The statement, made during her visit to Tokyo, addresses the growing strategic importance of the Arctic and seeks to balance alliance cohesion with concerns over renewed US ambitions for the Danish territory.

Meloni advocates for unified allied responsibility

Prime Minister Meloni emphasized that any Italian presence would be about "assuming one's responsibilities" in a region she described as historically "underestimated." She clarified that recent European participation in exercises like Denmark's Operation Arctic Endurance should not be seen as a challenge to the United States, but as a step towards a "greater commitment from all allies." She urged partners to "avoid acting in a scattered fashion," highlighting the need for a coherent, collective NATO approach to security in the High North.

Context of US ambitions and European solidarity

The Italian leader's comments come amid heightened tensions over Greenland's future. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire for the US to control the vast, resource-rich island, citing national security concerns related to Russian and Chinese activity. Both Denmark and Greenland's autonomous government have firmly rejected any sale, reaffirming Danish sovereignty. In this context, Meloni's proposal for a NATO-centric role serves as a diplomatic middle path, supporting the territorial integrity of a European ally while acknowledging the Arctic's strategic significance to the broader Western alliance.

Broader diplomatic engagements and regional roles

Beyond the Arctic, Prime Minister Meloni also expressed Italy's "availability to play a leading role" in implementing the US-backed Middle East peace plan. This aligns with the recent formation of a "Board of Peace" for Gaza, a move supported by a UN Security Council resolution. Notably, Türkiye, under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has been invited to join this board as a founding member, recognizing its pivotal role as a key regional power and mediator. This dual focus on Arctic and Middle Eastern security underscores Italy's and Europe's ongoing effort to navigate a complex global landscape where multilateral cooperation and respect for sovereignty remain paramount.