PARIS/BERLIN, Jan 7 — GeokHub European allies, including France and Germany, are actively coordinating a response plan should the United States pursue control of Greenland, amid renewed ambitions by President Donald Trump in the strategically critical Arctic territory.
A potential U.S. military or political move on Greenland—a Danish territory—would send shockwaves through NATO and strain relations with European partners. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said discussions with Germany and Poland are ongoing. “We want to take action, but we want to do so together with our European partners,” Barrot told France Inter radio.
A senior German government source confirmed that Berlin is collaborating closely with other European nations and Denmark to determine next steps. However, Denmark has yet to formally outline the type of support it expects from its allies, a European official said.
Trump Revives Greenland Ambitions
Trump has recently reiterated his interest in Greenland, first expressed in 2019, citing its strategic importance for U.S. defense and suggesting Denmark has underperformed in protecting the island. While purchase or military options are reportedly under discussion, both Greenland and Denmark maintain the territory is not for sale, and the U.S. Secretary of State has reportedly ruled out an invasion.
The revived attention follows U.S. military operations in Venezuela, which have heightened concerns in Europe about potential unilateral actions by Washington.
Strategic Importance of Greenland
Greenland, the world’s largest island with a population of roughly 57,000, sits at a critical point between Europe and North America and hosts long-standing U.S. ballistic missile defense systems. Its mineral wealth is increasingly seen as vital for reducing Western reliance on China.
Denmark disputes claims of significant Russian or Chinese activity near Greenland, with Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen emphasizing that reports of foreign ships and massive investments are inaccurate. Vessel tracking data confirms minimal Chinese or Russian presence near Nuuk fjord.
European leaders and Canada have publicly supported Greenland’s sovereignty this week, reaffirming that the island belongs to its people and cautioning against unilateral U.S. action.
