French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit to Greenland has brought attention to the territory’s sovereignty amid rising tensions following U.S. threats. Denmark and Greenland jointly invited the visit to hold discussions on navigating Greenland’s future inside the European Union. They were insistent about making sure that Greenland’s rights and dignity were honored during the entire discussion.
While on his trip, Macron pressed the conversation further with host Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. He discussed the topic with Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen on board a Danish naval frigate. This focused high-level dialogue paved the way for a dynamic and purposeful visit. It was to bring more development to Greenland and emphasize the autonomy the island has.
The backdrop of Macron’s visit stems from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s admission that the Pentagon had formulated plans for a potential military takeover of Greenland if deemed necessary. This statement sparked outrage in Denmark and Greenland, leading to increased diplomatic efforts to affirm the territory’s independence.
Greenland, with its fisheries agreement with the EU, received the strong support of France. Today, that support has grown stronger in reaction to new threats to Greenland’s home rule. Macron himself said before his trip that it was important to stop any further “razzias” — stealing raw materials, not pirate parley — on Greenland by foreign powers. He highlighted the importance of European commitment to the region, first by reflecting on its strategic importance.
“It’s important that Denmark and the Europeans commit themselves to this territory, where the strategic stakes are very high and whose territorial integrity must be respected,” – Emmanuel Macron
The Danish government has already stated unequivocally that Greenland “is not for sale.” They stress that only the people of Greenland can determine their own future. According to polls, 57,000 of the island’s 87,000 residents would deeply wish for independence from Denmark—if there was ever a chance. They lack appetites for complying with U.S. interests.
Macron’s visit could not have been more perfectly timed with the recent visit by U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s to the new Pituffik military base in Greenland. During his visit, Vance criticized Denmark for not doing enough to serve the Greenlandic people. Vance accused Copenhagen of abandoning Greenland’s defense, thus making international affairs with respect to the territory more complicated.
As part of his trip, Macron visited a melting glacier. As a result, he saw firsthand the impacts climate change was having on his hometown in that tragic moment. The French president’s promise to back Greenland is a welcome counterpoint to U.S. actions and rhetoric.
“I don’t think that’s what allies do,” – Emmanuel Macron
The sentiments expressed by Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen resonate with many in Greenland, as he stated that it would “never, ever be a piece of property that can be bought by just anyone.” This declaration highlights the resolve of Greenland’s leaders to defend their sovereignty against outside interests.