Macron Visits Greenland Before G7 Trump Meeting, Expresses Support for Sovereignty

First Visit by a Foreign Leader to Greenland Since Trump's Annexation Threat

French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his support for the sovereignty of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark.

Emmanuel Macron, President of France. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

According to AFP and other sources on June 15 (local time), President Macron stated at a press conference held in Greenland that day, "Everyone in France and the European Union (EU) believes that Greenland is not for sale, nor is it a place that can be taken by force."

President Macron emphasized, "The situation in Greenland is clearly a wake-up call for all Europeans. To be clear, Greenland is not alone." This was, in effect, a public criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump's intention to purchase Greenland. According to AP, Macron's remarks were met with applause from the crowd attending the press conference.

When asked whether France would provide military support if President Trump used force to annex Greenland, President Macron replied, "I will not answer hypothetical scenarios," and added, "The United States, as an ally and friend, will not take aggressive actions against another ally (Denmark)."

AFP noted that this was the first time a foreign leader had visited Greenland since President Trump threatened to annex the territory. The timing of the visit?just one day before the opening of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada, which President Trump will also attend?has been interpreted as a calculated move.

Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Denmark, accompanied Macron on the visit. The two leaders discussed Arctic security issues with Jens Frederik Nielsen, Prime Minister of Greenland.

Since before taking office this year, President Trump has emphasized the importance of securing economic and security interests in the Arctic and has expressed his intention to annex Greenland, which is under Danish sovereignty. Greenland, rich in minerals, oil, and natural gas resources, was under Danish rule for about 300 years before ending its colonial relationship in 1953 to become part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Currently, Denmark retains authority over Greenland's foreign and defense policy decisions.