French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Greenland on Sunday in a show of solidarity with the Arctic territory, aiming to reinforce French and EU support amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to claim the island.
Macron, speaking upon arrival, criticised Trump’s aggressive posture: “I don’t think that’s what allies do. Denmark and Europe must commit to this territory, which holds major strategic importance and whose integrity must be respected.”
Greenland, an autonomous region of Denmark, has the right to declare independence. Both Greenlandic and Danish officials have firmly rejected Trump’s interest in acquiring the mineral-rich island, with Greenland’s leadership emphasising that its future is for Greenlanders alone to decide.
Macron’s visit, the first by a foreign leader since Trump’s public expressions of interest, comes at the invitation of Greenland’s and Denmark’s prime ministers. The trip includes visits to Nuuk, an EU-funded hydropower plant, and an Arctic glacier. He will also engage in talks on regional security and climate issues.
“This visit sends a powerful signal,” a French presidential adviser noted, adding that no direct message to Trump was planned because the visit itself was message enough.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen welcomed Macron’s arrival, saying France’s support “is both necessary and gratifying.” He downplayed fears of provoking Trump: “We just want to create more development in Greenland.”
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot reinforced Macron’s stance, stating on RTL radio: “Greenland is a European territory, and it is only natural for Europe — and France — to show interest.”
An IFOP poll released Saturday revealed that 77% of French citizens and 56% of Americans oppose a U.S. annexation of Greenland, with 43% of French respondents supporting the use of French military power to stop it.
Though Greenland is outside the EU, Macron’s visit also aims to deepen its association with the bloc. Denmark, which has historically leaned on the U.S. for defence, has recently pivoted by seeking closer military ties with France, including new orders for French surface-to-air missiles.
Florian Vidal of the IFRI think tank commented, “France’s autonomous European vision suddenly looks more appealing to Denmark. From a Nordic standpoint, France is a military power that matters.”
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen praised Macron’s engagement: “The Trump administration’s stance is serious. That’s why Macron’s presence matters — it underlines the urgent need for European unity.”