The Arctic is an important region that will become even more relevant in the wake of climate change, according to Dr. Joachim Weber's forecast. More and more interest groups are converging there.
However, the NATO exercise sends a signal to Russia that NATO is aware of the region's relevance. Another signal goes directly to the US. With this exercise, the Europeans are signaling that they take the security interests of the US around Greenland seriously.
However, Dr. Joachim Weber emphasized that the exercise is primarily a placebo. Russia controls about 50 percent of the Arctic area. The Russian military presence is predominantly defensive, and so far, no offensive efforts have been detected. However, it is impossible to say for certain whether this will remain the case in the future, as it also depends on other factors, such as the war in Ukraine.
Furthermore, it is a misconception that Europe does not have the means to protect the Arctic. According to Dr. Joachim Weber, it is much more the case that the US has neglected the Arctic. NATO members in northern Europe are much further ahead in this regard.
Furthermore, it is to be welcomed that Europe is taking on more responsibility within the alliance. The transfer of important command posts to European nations does little to change NATO's defense capabilities, but it does give Europe more responsibility for its own security.