A recent poll highlights a stark divergence in German public opinion regarding potential German involvement in defending Greenland should the United States launch an attack and Denmark invokes a mutual defense agreement. Conducted by Forsa and published by “Stern”, the survey reveals that 62% of German citizens believe the nation should actively support Denmark and its allies in such a scenario. However, a significant 32% oppose intervention, with 6% expressing no opinion.
The findings underscore a growing political fissure within Germany regarding its commitment to transatlantic security and the complexities of Arctic geopolitics. Support for Danish defense was particularly strong amongst voters affiliated with the Green Party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), The Left Party and the Social Democratic Party (SPD). A resounding 75% of Green Party voters favored military assistance, followed closely by 71% of CDU and Left Party supporters and 68% of SPD voters.
Conversely, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) electorate displays a contrasting sentiment, with a majority (59%) voicing opposition to intervening on behalf of Denmark. Only 37% of AfD voters expressed support for military assistance, revealing a potential realignment of foreign policy positions within the German political landscape.
The survey, conducted January 8th and 9th, 2026, with a sample size of 1,002 respondents, arrives at a critical juncture as the United States continues to pursue strategic interests in the Arctic. The potential for military action in Greenland, while seemingly hypothetical, raises fundamental questions about Germany’s obligations under NATO, its relationship with Denmark and the extent to which it is willing to engage in potentially costly and protracted conflicts arising from shifting power dynamics in the rapidly changing Arctic region. The data suggests a looming debate within Germany about the balance between transatlantic solidarity and national interests, particularly concerning deployments in increasingly contested geopolitical spaces. The AfD’s stance highlights a potential appetite for a more isolationist foreign policy, complicating the German government’s ability to navigate international crises and fulfill its treaty obligations.
