France Warns EU Will Defend Its Borders After Trump’s Greenland Remarks
France has stated that the European Union will not tolerate any threats to its “sovereign borders” following US President-Elect Donald Trump’s refusal to rule out using military force to seize Greenland.
On Tuesday, Trump reiterated his longstanding interest in acquiring Greenland, calling it “critical” for both national and economic security. He emphasized the strategic importance of the Danish territory, which is an autonomous part of Denmark.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, speaking on French radio, firmly declared: “There is no question that the European Union would allow any nation in the world to attack its sovereign borders, whoever they may be.”
While Barrot expressed doubt that the United States would actually invade Greenland, he made it clear that the EU should not be intimidated by such threats. Trump has previously voiced his interest in purchasing Greenland, even suggesting it during his first term in office.
Denmark, a close US ally, has repeatedly stated that Greenland is not for sale and belongs to its people. Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, who is advocating for the territory’s independence, also made clear that the island is not available for purchase. He was visiting Copenhagen on Wednesday.
Trump’s remarks came during a wide-ranging press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, just weeks before he is set to begin his second term. When asked if he would rule out using military or economic force to take control of Greenland or the Panama Canal, Trump responded: “No, I can’t assure you on either of those two. But I can say this, we need them for economic security.”
Greenland, which has been home to a US radar base since the Cold War, holds significant strategic importance for the United States. Trump argued that the island is crucial for monitoring Chinese and Russian military activities in the Arctic.
In an interview with France Inter radio, Barrot downplayed the likelihood of a US invasion but warned of a return to “the survival of the fittest” in global geopolitics. “Should we allow ourselves to be intimidated? Clearly not. We must wake up and strengthen our position,” he added.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated on Tuesday that “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders” and that only its people could determine its future. However, she also highlighted Denmark’s ongoing need for close cooperation with the US as a NATO ally.
Greenland, the world’s largest island, has a population of just 57,000 people. Although it enjoys significant autonomy, its economy relies heavily on subsidies from Copenhagen, and it remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark. The island is also rich in rare earth minerals, which are crucial for the production of batteries and high-tech devices.
Steffen Kretz, a senior international correspondent for Danish Broadcasting Corporation, who has reported from Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, said most locals were “shocked” by Trump’s suggestion of military action. While many in Greenland hope for eventual independence, there is a widespread recognition of the need for a partner like Denmark to provide essential services, defense, and economic support.
“I have yet to meet anyone in Greenland who dreams of the island becoming a colony for another foreign power, like the United States,” Kretz stated.
Although Denmark has downplayed any direct confrontation with Trump, Kretz suggested that behind the scenes, there is an awareness that this dispute could become the biggest international crisis for Denmark in modern history.
On a related note, Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., made a brief visit to Greenland on Tuesday, calling it a “personal day trip” to engage with locals. He later posted a photo of himself with a group of Greenlanders at a bar, all wearing pro-Trump caps.
