France: EU will defend borders against Trump’s Greenland threats

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
8 Jan 2025 15:16
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France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot firmly asserted that the European Union would not tolerate any nation violating its sovereign borders, responding to Donald Trump’s earlier remarks about Greenland.

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France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot holds a press conference in Al-Quds on October 7, 2024, after his meeting with his Israeli counterpart. (AFP)

France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that the European Union would not tolerate any nation "attacking its sovereign borders," in response to Donald Trump’s suggestion that the US might take Greenland by force.

When asked about the possibility of a US invasion of the Danish territory, Barrot told France Inter Radio, "There is obviously no question of the European Union letting other nations in the world, whoever they are, and I would even say starting with Russia, attack its sovereign borders. We are a strong continent, we need to strengthen ourselves further."

While Barrot expressed he did not expect Trump to actually invade Greenland, he emphasized the need for Europe to "wake up" to the reality of a more insecure world.

Danish King alters coat of arms amid dispute with Trump over Greenland

The Danish king surprised some historians on Monday by updating the royal coat of arms to place greater emphasis on Greenland and the Faroe Islands, a move seen by many as a subtle rebuke to US-elected President Donald Trump.

Less than a year after ascending to the throne following the abdication of his mother, Queen Margrethe, on New Year’s Eve 2023, King Frederik made a bold statement about Denmark’s commitment to retaining Greenland and the Faroe Islands as part of the kingdom.

For the past 500 years, the Danish royal coat of arms has featured three crowns, representing the Kalmar Union between Denmark, Sweden, and Norway from 1397 to 1523. These crowns also serve as a significant symbol for Sweden. However, in the updated version, the crowns have been removed and replaced with more prominent depictions of a polar bear (symbolizing Greenland) and a ram (symbolizing the Faroe Islands).

Donald Trump Jr. was reported to be visiting Greenland this week to record content for a podcast, though he was not scheduled to meet with local officials. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump Sr. confirmed his son's trip and emphasized, “Greenland is an incredible place, and the people will benefit tremendously if, and when, it becomes part of our Nation. We will protect it, and cherish it, from a very vicious outside World. MAKE GREENLAND GREAT AGAIN!”