Macron Meets Greenland and Danish Leaders to Reinforce European Solidarity and Arctic Security

On January 28, 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron hosted a working lunch in Paris with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen. The meeting underscored France’s and Europe’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Denmark and Greenland, emphasizing European solidarity amidst rising strategic interests in the Arctic region.

Macron highlighted the Arctic’s growing geopolitical importance, framing the situation in Greenland as a "call for a strategic awakening for all of Europe." The discussions focused particularly on security issues in the Arctic, where European powers seek a stronger presence to complement their existing commitments.

On Greenland’s path, Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who took office following his party's parliamentary success in March 2025, stressed a gradual shift from dependency on Danish subsidies—which amount to nearly one billion dollars annually—towards forging an economically self-sufficient Greenland. This strategy is central to Greenland’s credible pursuit of independence from Denmark. Nielsen’s background in social sciences and mixed Danish-Greenlandic heritage inform his nuanced approach, prioritizing sustainable development while favoring Denmark over the United States in strategic matters, particularly in contrast to recent U.S. interest highlighted during Donald Trump’s presidency.

Besides security and sovereignty, discussions also covered economic and social development assistance, with France and the European Union poised to support Greenland’s growth initiatives.

Following the meeting, Macron and Frederiksen engaged in a high-profile debate at Sciences Po, moderated by Giuliano da Empoli, an expert on geopolitical strategy.

This meeting symbolizes a clear French commitment to joint European action in the Arctic, aiming to strengthen alliances and stability amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region.