In a significant visit to Greenland, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that the territory is neither for sale nor to be taken, as he conveyed a message of solidarity from France and the European Union amid recent U.S. interest in the region. This assertion comes on the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump’s expressed desire to acquire Greenland, which has attracted criticism from Macron.
During a news conference, Macron clearly communicated that both France and the EU stand firm in their stance that Greenland is not a commodity. His remarks received applause from the local audience. “This situation is a wakeup call for all Europeans,” Macron stated, underscoring Europe’s collective intent to support Greenland while assuring the territory that they are not isolated in their stand.
Demonstrating symbolic support, Macron made his stop in Greenland as he traveled to a Group of Seven summit in Canada, an event Trump was also set to attend. In Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, Macron was welcomed by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen. When pressed about whether France would offer military support if the U.S. attempted an invasion, Macron chose not to speculate. He expressed confidence that the U.S., as a longstanding ally, would refrain from aggressive actions against another ally.
In recent times, Macron has been actively working to bolster France’s influence within the European Union, highlighting the significance of France in diplomatic and economic matters. His leadership has been particularly pronounced amidst Trump’s threats to reduce support for Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia. Macron’s efforts also included hosting a summit in Paris to address security and geopolitical issues affecting Europe.
Macron’s visit in Greenland saw him engage in discussions with Frederiksen and Nielsen aboard a Danish helicopter carrier, reflecting France’s vested interest in Arctic security. The trio then visited a rapidly melting glacier, witnessing firsthand the pressing impacts of climate change. These discussions also paved the way for talks on economic development and transitions towards low-carbon energy and critical mineral resources.
Greenlandic Prime Minister Nielsen remarked on the importance of democratic principles like international law and respect for borders and expressed appreciation for Europe’s support. “We live by democratic principles developed over years, and your support is crucial,” Nielsen said.
The trip also took place amid controversial statements by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who hinted at the Pentagon’s potential plans to forcibly seize Greenland and Panama if deemed necessary. While his comments were met with skepticism, they echoed the sentiments of the Trump administration regarding the strategic importance of Greenland. President Trump has expressed that military options should not be dismissed entirely when considering Greenland’s significance to American interests in the Arctic.
Additionally, there have been reports that high-ranking U.S. intelligence officials have been directed to investigate Greenland’s independence movement and its implications for American resource extraction opportunities. In response, Nielsen expressed firm disapproval of any disrespectful propositions regarding Greenland’s autonomy, firmly stating that Greenland “will never be a mere property to be purchased.”