France has voiced firm opposition to President-elect Donald Trump’s comments suggesting the United States might pursue control of Greenland, potentially using military force if necessary. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasised that the European Union would defend its sovereign borders against any form of aggression, warning of a global shift toward a “survival of the fittest” mentality.
France Takes a Firm Stance
Speaking to French radio, Barrot dismissed the possibility of a U.S. invasion of Greenland but underscored the gravity of Trump’s rhetoric.
“It is out of the question that the European Union would let other countries … attack its sovereign borders, whoever they are,” he said.
Barrot further highlighted the strategic importance of Greenland to European interests, stating, “If you’re asking me whether I think the United States will invade Greenland, my answer is no. But have we entered into a period of time when it is survival of the fittest? Then my answer is yes.”
Trump’s Renewed Greenland Push
President-elect Trump reignited interest in Greenland during a press conference, refusing to rule out military or economic measures to acquire the island, currently an autonomous Danish territory.
“No, I can’t assure you on either of those two [Greenland and the Panama Canal],” Trump said. “But I can say this, we need them for economic security.”
This follows Trump’s earlier 2019 proposal to purchase Greenland, which was flatly rejected by Denmark. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated on Tuesday that Greenland is not for sale, praising the U.S. as an ally but standing firm on Danish and Greenlandic sovereignty.
Greenlandic Prime Minister Múte Egede echoed Frederiksen’s sentiments, stating that the island’s future lies in the hands of its people.
A Polarising Campaign
Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., visited Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, this week, meeting locals and filming content. The president-elect shared a video on Truth Social of his branded plane landing in Nuuk, accompanied by the caption:
“Don Jr. and my Reps landing in Greenland. The reception has been great. They, and the Free World, need safety, security, strength, and PEACE! This is a deal that must happen. MAGA. MAKE GREENLAND GREAT AGAIN!”
Trump also claimed Greenlanders were supportive of his plans, sharing a video of a purported resident calling for the U.S. to acquire the territory.
EU and Danish Leadership Respond
Frederiksen called for calm, urging Greenlanders and the international community to “stick to principles” in the face of U.S. pressures. She added that Greenland’s autonomy would not be compromised, asserting, “Greenland is not for sale and will not be in the future either.”
Barrot’s remarks come as the EU increasingly focuses on protecting its Arctic interests, amid growing competition between global powers.
The escalating rhetoric over Greenland underscores a geopolitical flashpoint, as nations grapple with sovereignty, security, and strategic resources in the Arctic. While Trump’s comments signal his administration’s aggressive stance, the firm responses from Denmark and the EU indicate that any attempts to assert U.S. control over Greenland would face robust resistance.
