NATO official says alliance nearing compromise on Greenland issue

A high-ranking NATO official has indicated that the alliance is progressing toward a resolution on internal disagreements concerning Greenland, with ongoing diplomatic consultations aimed at finding a pragmatic solution.

Progress Toward a 'Straightforward Compromise'

Lieutenant General Remigijus Baltrenas, Director General of NATO's International Military Staff, stated in an interview that consultations led by Secretary General Mark Rutte are advancing "in a positive direction." He described the process as building "greater understanding and pragmatism" toward a "straightforward compromise." Baltrenas emphasized that while fundamentally a bilateral matter between the US and Denmark, any solution should benefit the entire alliance, Europe, and the United States itself.

Arctic Strategy and Defense Spending

Baltrenas underscored NATO's existing military footprint in the Arctic, including exercises under the NORAD framework in Greenland, which have continued unaffected by recent political tensions. He highlighted the region's growing strategic importance due to Russian and Chinese interest in Arctic routes. On defense investment, he noted all allies now exceed the 2% of GDP spending target, with Baltic nations like Lithuania already surpassing the newer 5% benchmark agreed upon at the recent Hague summit.

Broader Security Context: Ukraine and European Defense

The official also addressed other security matters, stating that no final agreement on post-war security guarantees for Ukraine has been reached, with Ukraine's own armed forces being the primary security guarantor. Amid discussions on European strategic autonomy, Baltrenas reiterated that NATO should remain the cornerstone of continental defense, while the EU focuses on economic and political instruments.