Germany’s participation in the Canadian-led exercise “Nanook” in the North Atlantic represents a significant contribution to maintaining regional security, according to Nils Schmid, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Defence.
Speaking from aboard the German supply ship “Berlin” Schmid emphasized Germany’s interest in safeguarding freedom of navigation in the North Atlantic. He cited observed Russian activity in the region as a key driver for the exercise, describing it as a deterrent against potential aggression. He underscored that NATO is fundamentally a defensive alliance and its strength serves as a clear signal that attacks on NATO territory, including Greenland, would be unacceptable. “The intention is to prevent any such attack from occurring” Schmid stated.
Responding to recent comments made by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Greenland, Schmid acknowledged the longstanding U.S. role in ensuring the security of the region. He highlighted the collective NATO commitment to countering the militarization of the Arctic by Russia and the importance of European solidarity in that effort. He stressed the need for the United States to continue fulfilling its responsibilities within the alliance.
Schmid noted increasing cooperation between Canada, Germany, Denmark and Norway in bolstering maritime presence in the North Atlantic, with the deployment of the “Berlin” to Greenland serving as a current example of this strengthened collaboration.