French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Greenland on Sunday in a symbolic show of unity with Denmark, following threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to take control of the Arctic territory.
Greenland, though self-governing, remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark and has the right to pursue independence. Both Danish and Greenlandic leaders have made it clear: the island is not for sale, and any decision about its future rests solely with the Greenlandic people.
President Trump has expressed interest in acquiring the strategically located, resource-rich island and has not ruled out the use of force. His vice president, JD Vance, visited a U.S. military installation on Greenland earlier this year.
Macron is the first foreign leader to visit the island since Trump's remarks. Invited by the prime ministers of Greenland and Denmark, he said the trip is intended to discourage attempts to exploit the territory.
"France has supported us since the first announcements about taking our land surfaced. That support is both welcome and essential," Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen wrote in a Facebook post ahead of the visit.
When asked if Macron planned to make a direct statement to the United States, one of his advisers said, “The visit speaks for itself,” without directly referencing Trump.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot told RTL radio: "Greenland is a European territory. It's only natural that Europe and especially France expresses its interest".
A new IFOP poll for NYC.eu published Saturday showed 77% of French and 56% of Americans oppose U.S. annexation of Greenland. Notably, 43% of French respondents would support military intervention to prevent a U.S. takeover.
During his visit, Macron will tour the capital Nuuk, a glacier, and a hydropower facility co-funded by the EU. He will also meet with local leaders to discuss Arctic security and climate change.
Though Denmark is part of the EU, Greenland is not. Macron's team says the trip will explore ways to enhance Greenland’s partnership with the European Union.
Following Trump's threats, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has increased engagement with Paris, including multiple visits and new defence contracts with French suppliers, including orders for surface-to-air missile systems.
According to Florian Vidal of the IFRI think tank, Denmark's outreach to France, Europe's only nuclear power reflects a shift. Long a close ally of Washington, Copenhagen is now seeking strategic balance.
"The Trump administration’s confrontational stance has pushed Denmark to see France's vision of a more autonomous Europe as more viable", Vidal said. "From a Nordic perspective, France is a serious military power".
Saudi Arabia said its air defences destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it could enter prohibited airspace over the holy city, as attacks...
From new Asia-Europe trade routes to investment, energy and security cooperation, the Organization of Turkic States has grown far beyond its origin...
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was carrying out tests on a new weapon to intercept dron...
U.S. Central Command said 101 commercial vessels have been redirected in the Strait of Hormuz, while oil prices rose more than three per cent amid fresh regional attacks and supply concerns.
U.S. President Donald Trump has again said Iran is keen to reach a deal quickly, but a senior Iranian security official rejected the claim, saying Tehran will not negotiate until its conditions are met.
A Danish military helicopter came within “metres” of being struck by flares fired by a Russian warship, Denmark's Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus said on Tuesday. Russia accused Denmark of carrying out “dangerous manoeuvres” near its ship, and said it was investigating the incident.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is outlining the EU's priorities in her annual State of the Union address, covering security, support for Ukraine, trade with China, migration, climate and artificial intelligence.
Saudi Arabia said its air defences destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it could enter prohibited airspace over the holy city, as attacks by the Iran-aligned group deepen regional tensions.
Pakistan has condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia at the United Nations, warning that escalating fighting in Yemen and increased activity around the Bab al-Mandab Strait threaten regional stability, global shipping and energy security.
Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after being found guilty of war crimes, including murder, torture, cruel treatment and arbitrary detention.
Wednesday's session of the 24th Arab Media Summit in Dubai has shifted the discussion towards a central question for modern media: how can regional news organisations tell their own stories while reaching audiences far beyond their borders?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was carrying out tests on a new weapon to intercept drones and had recorded a successful hit overnight.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is outlining the EU's priorities in her annual State of the Union address, covering security, support for Ukraine, trade with China, migration, climate and artificial intelligence.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment