Greenland and NATO: Finnish Lawmaker Claims U.S. Push Is About Weapons and Power

A Finnish nationalist lawmaker has claimed that Washington’s growing attention toward Greenland is part of a calculated strategy to expand U.S. military influence and increase weapons sales within the NATO alliance.

Greenland’s Arctic location has become central to U.S. and NATO defense and security discussions.

Armando Mema, a member of Finland’s national-conservative Freedom Alliance party, said the United States is using Greenland’s strategic importance to pressure its allies into raising defense budgets. According to him, this approach benefits the American defense industry while strengthening U.S. control over Arctic security.

Map illustrating Greenland’s strategic role in Arctic security and NATO defense planning.

Recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, made after discussions with NATO leadership, suggested progress toward a new defense framework involving Greenland. While Denmark would officially maintain sovereignty, the revised arrangement could allow the United States to expand military infrastructure and establish special defense zones if deemed necessary by NATO.

Mema argued that Greenland plays a crucial role in Washington’s missile defense planning. He believes the island could host advanced air-defense systems designed to counter long-range missile threats, particularly in scenarios involving global or Arctic-based conflict.

The Finnish politician also highlighted Greenland’s growing importance in Arctic geopolitics. Its geographic position, he said, makes it a key asset in any future military confrontation in the region. In addition, Greenland’s untapped natural resources — including rare earth minerals — may further explain U.S. economic and strategic interest.

Criticizing what he described as Western double standards, Mema said actions by the United States are often viewed differently than similar moves by other global powers. He argued that principles such as territorial integrity and international law are applied selectively, depending on political interests.

Despite the strong rhetoric, Mema does not expect a direct military annexation of Greenland. Instead, he believes the United States will rely on diplomatic pressure and negotiated agreements with Denmark. He also expressed skepticism that the European Union would actively oppose such efforts, suggesting that EU leaders are unlikely to challenge U.S. strategic priorities.