The Daily Star Ireland
France has issued a warning to Donald Trump, cautioning him against actions that could threaten the sovereignty of the European Union’s borders, following his refusal to rule out military intervention in Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, an EU member state. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot emphasized that the EU would not tolerate any external aggression against its territorial sovereignty.
Barrot stated that while he did not believe the U.S. would invade Greenland, the world seemed to be moving toward an era dominated by the “law of the strongest.” His comments came shortly after Donald Trump Jr. arrived in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, on a private visit.
As the U.S. president-elect prepares to take office on January 20, Trump has signaled a bold approach to foreign policy, unencumbered by traditional diplomatic norms. Recently, he suggested the U.S. should reclaim control of Greenland and the Panama Canal, describing Greenland as essential for U.S. economic security. In a post on his Truth Social platform, he reiterated his desire to acquire Greenland, calling it an “incredible place” that would benefit as part of the United States.
When asked at a press conference whether he would avoid using military or economic pressure to achieve his goals in Greenland and Panama, Trump declined to provide assurances, stating that these territories were vital for U.S. interests.
Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, responded by stressing the importance of maintaining strong ties with the U.S., while cautioning against the use of financial or coercive measures against close allies. Frederiksen dismissed the notion of selling Greenland, reinforcing Denmark’s commitment to respecting the island’s semi-sovereign status within the Danish realm.
Donald Trump Jr. arrived in Greenland aboard “Trump Force One,” sharing his excitement about visiting the territory for tourism. Accompanied by members of Trump’s incoming administration, including Sergio Gor and James Blair, Trump Jr. expressed admiration for Greenland’s landscapes and stated that his visit was unrelated to official meetings. He shared his enthusiasm for Greenland on social media, calling the destination fascinating.
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, reaffirmed the island’s stance on independence, stating that Greenland’s future remains in its own hands. In his New Year speech, Egede emphasized that external pressures should not distract from Greenland’s path toward self-determination. He rejected any notions of a U.S. takeover and criticized attempts to interfere with Greenland’s sovereignty.
Relations between Greenland and Denmark have been strained in recent years, partly due to allegations of historical mistreatment under Danish rule. Greenland remains strategically significant, straddling key routes between Europe and North America and hosting important U.S. military installations, including a ballistic missile early-warning system. Despite its natural resources, including oil, gas, and minerals, the territory’s economy relies heavily on fishing and Danish subsidies.
Danish parliamentarian Aaja Chemnitz, representing Greenland, strongly opposed Trump’s vision, calling for the island’s sovereignty to be respected. She stated that Greenland should not become a pawn in Trump’s ambitions and reaffirmed the importance of self-determination for the Greenlandic people.
