Macron in Greenland to counter US pressure, assert European support
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French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Greenland signals a bold European response to growing US militarization and intelligence activity on the island.
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French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Greenland on Sunday for a highly symbolic stop on his way to Canada, meeting the Arctic territory's leader and Denmark's prime minister aboard a Danish helicopter carrier. (AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Greenland on Sunday in a high-stakes diplomatic visit aimed at reinforcing European commitment to the Arctic territory, as the United States intensifies both its military footprint and intelligence efforts on the island. The visit comes at a time of mounting concern in Europe over US President Donald Trump's increasingly aggressive stance toward Greenland, including his stated ambition to acquire the island, by negotiation or by force.
The timing of Macron's trip is significant. Just days earlier, reports surfaced that the Pentagon was planning to shift Greenland from the US European Command (EUCOM) to US Northern Command (NORTHCOM), a move that would bring the island more directly under the umbrella of American homeland defense. The shift could allow the US to deploy additional radar systems as part of its Golden Dome missile defense shield. According to Politico, Denmark, Greenland's sovereign state, was not informed of the decision in advance, raising questions about the US' transparency with its NATO partners.
"I don't think that's what allies do," Macron said upon his arrival in Nuuk, in a direct rebuke of Washington's unilateral posture. "It's important that Denmark and the Europeans commit themselves to this territory, which has very high strategic stakes and whose territorial integrity must be respected."
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Greenland's leadership welcomed Macron's visit as a clear message of support. Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated, "France has stood by us since the first statements about taking our land emerged. This support is both necessary and gratifying." Addressing concerns over US reaction, Nielsen said, "I'm not worried that he (Trump) will be furious. It should be seen as us wanting to create more development in Greenland."
While Macron did not issue a direct diplomatic note to Washington, his senior advisor noted that "the trip is a signal in itself." French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot echoed this, telling RTL radio, "Greenland is a European territory and it is normal that Europe, and notably France, show their interest."
Read more: Geopolitical pressures shape Arctic Council as Greenland takes helm
Recent polling by IFOP indicates strong European opposition to American ambitions: 77% of French citizens and 56% of Americans reject the idea of US annexation of Greenland, while 43% of French respondents support the use of military power to prevent it.
Macron's itinerary includes visits to a glacier and an EU-funded hydropower station, demonstrating the EU's dual investment in both environmental protection and infrastructure development in Greenland. Although the island is not part of the European Union, French officials have said the visit aims to "give Greenland's association partnership with the EU a new dimension."
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who has strengthened defense ties with France since the US threats, spoke to DR about the significance of the visit, "I think the US president is serious. It's a difficult situation we're in. That's why it's really important that the French president comes, because it helps to emphasize the necessary European unity in this situation."
Analyst Florian Vidal of IFRI noted the broader shift in Nordic strategy, observing that "the Trump administration's more aggressive posture is a shock that makes the French vision of Europe, one that is more autonomous, appear more reasonable for Denmark. From a Nordic point of view, France is a military power that counts."
