French FM condemns US influence campaign in Greenland

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
31 Aug 2025 23:10
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France and Denmark have condemned US-linked influence operations in Greenland, with officials warning they threaten the island's sovereignty.

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French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, at UN headquarters on Jul. 28, 2025 (AFP)

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has denounced suspected US-linked operations in Greenland, warning they undermined the island's sovereignty. Speaking in Nuuk on Sunday, he described the activities as "unacceptable and disrespectful" and declared: "Greenland is not for sale."

Barrot's remarks came days after Danish broadcaster DR reported that Denmark's intelligence service (PET) had uncovered a network of American operatives with ties to US President Donald Trump attempting to stir divisions between Greenland and Denmark. According to the findings, the group collected information on local figures considered either sympathetic or hostile to Washington in what officials saw as groundwork for pushing Greenland toward independence.

The Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen called such campaigns "unacceptable," while Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen summoned the US chargé d'affaires for explanations.

Barrot further said that his visit, following Emmanuel Macron's trip a month earlier, was meant to signal European solidarity with both Denmark and Greenland. France also plans to send experts later this year to map the island's natural resources, an initiative seen as reinforcing European engagement in the Arctic.

Washington has not admitted involvement. A US official told Danish media that while individual citizens may pursue their own interests in Greenland, "the US government neither directs nor controls the actions of private individuals."

Greenland Rejects Sale

This latest dispute adds to years of American interest in Greenland's geostrategic and economic value. Donald Trump previously argued that the island should eventually become part of the United States, citing its importance for countering China and Russia. He even refused to rule out using military force to secure it.

Danish and Greenlandic leaders have reacted by reaffirming sovereignty and unity. A Wall Street Journal survey this summer indicated that the controversy has only pushed Greenlanders closer to Denmark, with over 80% rejecting the idea of joining the US.

Greenland, a former Danish colony until 1953, remains part of the Danish kingdom but gained extensive autonomy in 2009, managing most domestic affairs independently.