The European Union will not permit attacks on its sovereign territories, France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot declared on Wednesday, following President-elect Donald Trump’s renewed insistence that the United States must bring Greenland under its control.
Speaking in an interview with radio station France Inter, Barrot stressed the bloc’s commitment to defending its member states and territories, including Greenland, which is an autonomous Danish territory and an Overseas Country and Territory (OCT) associated with the EU.
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“There is no question that the European Union would allow any nation in the world — and I would even emphasise, starting with Russia — to assault its sovereign borders,” Barrot said, as reported by CNBC. “We are a strong continent, and we must continue to strengthen ourselves.”
Barrot dismissed the likelihood of a direct U.S. military invasion of Greenland but cautioned about the evolving global power dynamics.
“If you’re asking me whether I think the United States will invade Greenland, the answer is no,” he explained. “But have we entered an era of survival of the fittest? The answer is yes.”
Barrot’s remarks come ahead of a meeting between Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Egede, and Denmark’s King Frederik in Copenhagen. While no official agenda has been released, the meeting coincides with updates to the royal coat of arms to include symbols representing Greenland, signalling a renewed emphasis on the territory’s ties with Denmark.
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The controversy reignited after Donald Trump, on his Truth Social platform last month, reiterated that acquiring Greenland was vital for U.S. national and economic security. The proposal, first floated during his presidency in 2019, was dismissed outright by both Denmark and Greenland at the time.
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Trump’s comments have drawn fresh criticism from European leaders and Greenlandic officials.
Prime Minister Egede reaffirmed Greenland’s stance, stating unequivocally last month, “We are not for sale.”
Despite this, Trump’s rhetoric has intensified, with threats of economic pressure to achieve his goal. Adding fuel to the controversy, Donald Trump Jr. arrived in Greenland on Tuesday for what has been described as an “unofficial visit.”
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Barrot’s strong response highlights the EU’s commitment to safeguarding its associated territories. Greenland, though not an EU member, maintains close ties with the bloc through Denmark.
Its strategic position and abundant natural resources have long made it a focal point of geopolitical interest.
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As global leaders convene in Copenhagen, the EU’s position remains steadfast: any attempt to compromise the sovereignty of its territories will be met with firm resistance. Whether Trump’s renewed claims over Greenland will escalate into a broader diplomatic standoff remains to be seen.
Source: With inputs from CNBC