NATO in January 2026: the most important developments in politics
NATO politics in January 2026 were dominated by President Donald Trump's push for US control of Greenland. On 6 January a Danish leader said a US takeover of the island would end NATO. Through the following week allies discussed a stronger alliance presence in the Arctic; Belgium proposed a NATO operation there, and the UK and Germany discussed deploying forces. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said all allies agree on the importance of the Arctic. Greenland's prime minister rejected US overtures and reaffirmed ties to Denmark and NATO. On 18 January allies warned that Trump's threats risked the alliance's unity, and Canada was reported to be planning to send soldiers to the territory.
The issue reached a turning point at Davos. After Trump discussed a possible acquisition with Rutte and French President Emmanuel Macron on 20 January, he announced on 21 January a framework for a future agreement with NATO, said the US would not use force, and the earlier tariff threat against European countries was suspended. On 22 January he spoke of "total access" to Greenland. NATO did not confirm a deal, and Denmark and Greenland said NATO cannot negotiate on Greenland's behalf.
Trump also said NATO would not exist without his leadership and that the alliance is "not very strong" without the US. His remark that NATO troops avoided the front line in Afghanistan drew criticism from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called it "insulting", and from veterans. On 23 January he proposed testing NATO's value by invoking its collective defence clause over US border security. Reports said the Pentagon plans to cut about 200 positions from NATO structures.
By 28 January European officials were debating a future in which the US is not a reliable partner, while US Senator Marco Rubio said NATO needs to be "reimagined" with Europe showing more military capability. Italy and Germany agreed a defence pact on 23 January.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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