Germany and France Warn President Trump over Threat of Greenland Occupation
Germany and France Warn President Trump over Threat of Greenland Occupation
In the wake of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial remarks about Greenland, both Germany and France have issued strong warnings, cautioning against any military or economic attempts to seize the Arctic territory. Trump, who made headlines with his refusal to rule out the use of force in acquiring Greenland, is facing growing international condemnation, especially from European leaders who emphasize the inviolability of borders and sovereignty.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot have both firmly rejected the notion of using force to acquire Greenland. Scholz, speaking to reporters, underscored the fundamental principle of the inviolability of borders, emphasizing that this applies equally to all countries, regardless of size or power. “The principle of the inviolability of borders applies to every country, whether it is large or small,” Scholz said. “It is a matter of international law, and this is something that should not be violated under any circumstances.”
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot echoed Scholz’s sentiments, adding that the European Union would not tolerate any threats to its sovereign territories. “If you’re asking me whether I think the United States will invade Greenland, my answer is no,” Barrot told France Inter radio. “But we are entering a time where the survival of the fittest seems to be the driving ideology. We cannot let ourselves be intimidated. We must stand firm, defend our borders, and strengthen our collective defense capabilities.”
Barrot’s comments were a direct response to Trump’s remarks earlier that day, which had raised alarms across the world. The U.S. president-elect stated that Greenland was of critical importance to both U.S. national security and economic interests, further claiming that it would be advantageous for the U.S. to acquire the island. He reiterated his desire to purchase Greenland, a notion he had previously floated in 2019 during his first term in office.
At a news conference on Tuesday, held at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump was asked whether he would rule out using military or economic force to secure Greenland. He responded bluntly, stating, “No, I can’t assure you on either of those two.” The remarks shocked many, including officials in Denmark and Greenland, who were quick to reaffirm the island’s sovereignty. Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, has long been strategically important to the United States, particularly due to its location in the Arctic region and its role in U.S. military operations during the Cold War.
Trump further justified his interest by highlighting the island’s importance for military strategy. “Greenland is crucial for our efforts to track Chinese and Russian military movements,” Trump said. “These countries are all over the place, and Greenland is critical for monitoring their activities.” He framed the issue in terms of protecting the “free world,” signaling his belief that the U.S. has a vested interest in securing the territory for its national security purposes.
Despite Trump’s assertions, Denmark and Greenland have made it abundantly clear that the island is not for sale. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated that Greenland “belongs to the Greenlanders” and that only the local population has the right to determine its future. “Greenland is a part of Denmark, but it is also home to its own people, who have their own aspirations and desires for the future,” Frederiksen said.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede, who is a strong advocate for the territory’s eventual independence, also responded to Trump’s comments by asserting that Greenland would never be for sale, regardless of international pressure. While Egede has voiced his desire for greater autonomy and independence from Denmark, he has emphasized that any change in Greenland’s political status would be determined by its people, not external forces.
Local leaders in Greenland have consistently emphasized the importance of self-determination and sovereignty. Kuno Fencker, a Member of Parliament in Greenland and a representative of the governing Siumut party, explained that the island’s population views sovereignty as non-negotiable. Fencker stated, “Greenland is not a colony, and it is not for sale. Our sovereignty and self-determination are non-negotiable.”
While Fencker acknowledged that Greenland’s current economic stability relies in part on Denmark’s subsidies, he clarified that the island’s future should be shaped by its people. “We are open to constructive dialogue with the U.S. and other nations, but it is important to remember that the future of Greenland will be decided by the Greenlandic people, not by outside forces,” he added.
Greenland, with a population of only 57,000, holds significant geopolitical and economic value due to its vast resources, including large deposits of rare earth minerals. These minerals are critical in the manufacturing of batteries and other high-tech devices, making the island a valuable asset in global markets, particularly as the world shifts toward renewable energy technologies. However, as Fencker pointed out, the people of Greenland are determined to decide their own path.
The international community has largely rallied behind Denmark and Greenland in rejecting Trump’s comments. Steffen Kretz, a senior correspondent for the Danish Broadcasting Corporation who has been reporting from Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, described the general reaction on the island as one of shock and disbelief. “Most people I’ve spoken to in Greenland are stunned by Trump’s refusal to rule out the use of military force,” Kretz said. “While many hope for greater independence in the future, they do not wish to become a colony for another foreign power.”
Though many in Greenland see the long-term goal of independence as achievable, they recognize the importance of maintaining a strong partnership with Denmark, which provides vital support in areas such as defense, public services, and economic stability. “Greenlanders are pragmatic. They want independence, but they also understand the need for a solid partner to ensure their future,” Kretz explained.
While Trump’s comments about Greenland may seem like an isolated incident, they raise larger concerns about global stability and the principles of international law. Many European leaders have expressed concern that such threats could set a dangerous precedent, undermining the post-World War II international order that has been built on respect for national sovereignty and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
As Germany and France have clearly stated, the principle of inviolable borders is a cornerstone of the modern global order. Should any nation, no matter how powerful, challenge this principle, it could have far-reaching consequences for international relations. For now, it remains to be seen whether the United States will pursue its interests in Greenland through diplomacy or by force, but one thing is clear: the world is watching closely, and the stakes are higher than ever.
Denmark, which has long enjoyed strong relations with the United States, now faces an unprecedented diplomatic crisis. While the Danish government has sought to downplay the tensions with Trump, there is growing concern that this conflict could become the biggest international crisis Denmark has faced in modern history. Behind the scenes, there is an awareness that Trump’s insistence on Greenland could threaten not only Denmark’s sovereignty but also the delicate balance of global diplomacy.
As the situation unfolds, the importance of dialogue and diplomacy will be critical in preventing an escalation of tensions and ensuring that Greenland’s future remains firmly in the hands of its people. The world will be watching to see how the international community responds to Trump’s provocative remarks and whether a peaceful resolution can be found.
