The prospect of the United States pursuing control of Greenland under President-Elect Donald Trump has sparked a tense international debate, with France warning the European Union will not tolerate attacks on its sovereign borders. This comes after Trump refused to rule out using military or economic force to acquire the Danish autonomous territory, describing it as "critical" to U.S. national and economic security.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, speaking on French radio, stated emphatically, "There is obviously no question that the European Union would let other nations attack its sovereign borders, whoever they are." While Barrot expressed doubt that the U.S. would invade Greenland, he underscored the need for Europe to strengthen its resolve against intimidation, stating, "We must wake up, build up our strength."
Greenland, the world’s largest island, is home to significant rare earth mineral deposits and a U.S. radar base vital to Arctic and global security. Trump argued that Greenland's strategic location is essential for monitoring Russian and Chinese naval movements, saying, "I'm talking about protecting the free world."
Denmark, which retains sovereignty over Greenland, firmly rejected the notion of selling the territory. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated that "Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders," emphasizing that its future rests solely with its inhabitants. Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute Egede, currently advocating for independence, also dismissed the idea of a sale.
The controversy escalated after Trump, during a news conference at Mar-a-Lago, refused to rule out the use of force, saying, "No, I can't assure you on either of those two," referencing Greenland and the Panama Canal. His comments have left many Greenlanders "shocked," according to Danish Broadcasting Corporation journalist Steffen Kretz, who noted that while Greenlanders aspire to independence, they value Denmark's economic and defense support.
Barrot’s remarks reflect broader European concerns about a return to geopolitics defined by power struggles. He questioned whether the world had entered an era of "the survival of the fittest," urging Europe not to succumb to intimidation.
Despite the political uproar, Trump Jr.’s brief visit to Greenland added a surreal element to the unfolding situation. He shared a photo on social media of himself in a bar with locals wearing pro-Trump caps, labeling the trip a "personal day out."
Denmark’s understated public response seeks to downplay the conflict, but analysts warn that this could become Denmark's most significant international crisis in modern history.
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