Belgium participates in international reconnaissance mission in Greenland
Starting Monday, Belgium will participate in the international reconnaissance mission in Greenland. The Ministry of Defence will send one officer to the Arctic region for this purpose. This was announced on Friday by Minister of Defence Theo Francken and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Prévot.
Belgium is following the example of several other European countries – such as France, Germany and the Netherlands – which announced in recent days that they would be sending military personnel to the area. This is a response to the threatening language used by US President Donald Trump, who wants to annex Greenland. The participating countries hope that the mission will convince Trump to abandon his plans.
The reconnaissance mission is conducted under Danish command. It is part of broader NATO efforts to strengthen military presence and training opportunities in the strategically important Arctic region. The aim is to identify opportunities for future military exercises in Greenland, as well as opportunities for an increased military presence for deterrence and defence in the area. Based on this reconnaissance, further consultations will be held within NATO on specific training and exercise activities in the region.
“Security in the Arctic region is of strategic importance to the entire alliance. By participating in this reconnaissance mission, we are demonstrating our commitment within NATO and contributing to the collective efforts to secure this strategically important region,” Minister of Defence Theo Francken stated.
"We are contributing to the collective efforts to secure this strategically important region"
Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Prévot emphasised the importance of this mission: “This reconnaissance mission is fully in line with our efforts to strengthen international cooperation. The Arctic region requires a joint approach by all allies. Belgium is happy to take its responsibility in this regard.”
Further decisions on Belgian involvement in any follow-up steps, such as possible participation in an Arctic Sentry operation, will be taken later in close consultation between the government partners, according to both ministers.
Illustration © BELGA PHOTO BRUNO FAHY
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