France Strengthens Diplomatic Presence in Greenland Amid Rising US Sovereignty Threats

France has announced the opening of a consulate in Greenland on February 6, signaling a heightened diplomatic interest in the strategically significant autonomous territory amidst renewed tensions sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial statements about acquiring the island. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed that the decision, made last summer during President Emmanuel Macron's visit, underscores Greenland's firm alignment with Denmark, NATO, and the European Union and its rejection of U.S. ownership threats. Barrot emphasized that Greenland is "not for sale" and warned that any attempts to wield control would be counterproductive to NATO’s interests.

President Macron, in a cabinet meeting on January 14, addressed the situation directly, cautioning that any threat to the sovereignty of a European ally such as Denmark would lead to “unprecedented consequences.” He reaffirmed France's solidarity with Denmark amid increasing U.S. pressure. Trump has justified his claims on Greenland’s mineral wealth and strategic location, asserting that U.S. control would enhance security and NATO effectiveness. However, Denmark and Greenland have unequivocally rejected these assertions, describing any use of force as irresponsible.

Public reaction in Greenland has been fierce, with a widely viewed TikTok video by a Greenlandic woman declaring, "I will fight you until death," which resonates strongly with many residents. This reflects deep local resistance to potential U.S. acquisition efforts, which gained momentum following the U.S. intervention in Venezuela earlier this month.

Diplomatically, a crucial trilateral meeting is scheduled in Washington involving U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt. Additionally, Danish and Greenlandic officials are set to meet with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance to discuss the issue further.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has also voiced explicit support for Greenland’s people and their interests, stating the island rightly belongs to its inhabitants. These developments highlight the complex geopolitical contest over Greenland, where France is actively asserting its diplomatic foothold and backing European sovereignty against aggressive U.S. overtures.