In an exclusive discussion with Digital, U.S. NATO ambassador Matthew Whitaker countered the increasing European criticism regarding Washington’s emphasis on Greenland following France’s announcement of fresh military drills with Denmark, stating that Arctic security represents a fundamental U.S. defense priority and that Europe “tends to overreact.”
When questioned if the disagreement demonstrates U.S. pressure or European passivity, Whitaker responded, “This is fundamentally a matter among the United States, Denmark and Greenland.”
Whitaker noted that Greenland’s significance has been evident for years as melting ice transforms the Arctic and creates new passages. “The security of the high north, which I’ve discussed extensively prior to this situation, represents the paramount concern,” he stated. “As ice melts and Arctic routes become accessible, Arctic security, and consequently the , which forms the northern boundary of the continental United States, becomes essential.”
He emphasized that Greenland’s strategic position renders it pivotal to American defense strategy. “Considering Greenland’s role in accessing naval resources, the surveillance, situational awareness, and strengthening of that region of the Western Hemisphere is vital for America’s long-term security,” Whitaker remarked.
Whitaker indicated that recent diplomatic efforts demonstrate the matter can be resolved without intensification. “I understand that a very the Danes and Greenland and Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Rubio, so I anticipate it will be productive,” he commented.
Nevertheless, he warned European partners against exacerbating tensions. “Europe occasionally tends to overreact whenever a topic is brought forward,” Whitaker observed. “This is a situation where rational thinking must triumph.”
Addressing reporters from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Whitaker invoked Reagan’s “peace through strength” principle to advocate for increased expenditure and accelerated action.
“The primary objective at NATO is, first, that the United States remains powerful. No one disputes this. We’ve proven through Midnight Hammer, through our actions in Venezuela and other locations, that America possesses capability and can project force. We desire all NATO allies to achieve comparable strength, which they currently lack,” he explained.
He continued, “Certain allies have undoubtedly grown more capable, which is why one cannot generalize about all NATO members. However, some remain inadequate.”
“Europe and the EU must free themselves from self-imposed constraints,” he went on. “They will need to reduce regulations, secure additional capital and , because ultimately, this will enable them to fulfill their pledges to boost defense expenditures and enhance their military capabilities.”
“Among the topics I repeatedly discuss with our colleagues in the EU,” Whitaker noted, “is the necessity to stimulate their economy, and there are established, reliable methods to accomplish this.”
Whitaker identified his foremost priority as guaranteeing that NATO allies implement the significant defense obligations they consented to last year in The Hague.
“This ranks first on my agenda currently,” he stated, “ensuring that the political agreements we reached in The Hague translate into actual military capacities within NATO.”
He noted that geographical closeness to Russia influences the degree to which nations perceive the threat.
“Observe the Baltic nations such as Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, and the Nordic countries… they possess acute awareness of the dangers Russia presents,” Whitaker commented, referencing Russia’s 2014 seizure of Crimea and its 2022 assault on Ukraine.
Poland, he added, distinguishes itself. “Poland demonstrates clear-sightedness,” Whitaker remarked. “They will allocate over 5% to core defense in the next year or two.”
Other nations, he indicated, continue to fall behind. “I maintain a dashboard, a single-page overview on my desk that receives regular updates,” Whitaker stated. “It’s premature to judge.” “The focus must be on capabilities,” he insisted. “It must strengthen them, preparing them to engage in combat immediately.”
“President Trump announced a ,” Whitaker declared. “We’ve displayed abilities that no other nation can currently equal.”
“Being at the Reagan Library reminds me that Ronald Reagan successfully implemented policies to drive growth,” Whitaker reflected. “President Trump has clearly continued that legacy, liberating American entrepreneurs, unleashing U.S. innovation, and removing obstacles, eliminating regulations so American businesses can thrive and succeed.”
Looking ahead for NATO, Whitaker affirmed that pressure on partners will persist. “We are requesting our European and Canadian allies to increase their contributions,” he said. “Thus far, the results are satisfactory.”