Germany and France have issued stern warnings to Donald Trump after the US president-elect indicated he might not rule out military action to take control of Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the sanctity of national borders, stating, “The principle of the inviolability of borders applies to every country… no matter whether it’s a very small one or a very powerful one.” He expressed a sense of “incomprehension” regarding the statements from Trump’s incoming administration, reinforcing that this principle applies universally, whether to countries in the east or west.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot was unequivocal in asserting the European Union’s stance against any external attacks on its member states’ sovereignty, declaring, “There is obviously no question that the European Union would let other nations of the world attack its sovereign borders.”
Trump’s recent comments reignited his interest in Greenland, which he described as “critical” for US national and economic security. This follows his earlier expressions during his first term in 2019 to purchase the island. Denmark, despite being a close ally of the US within NATO, has firmly stated that Greenland is not for sale and its future belongs in the hands of its inhabitants.
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, who was in Copenhagen on Wednesday, has been advocating for Greenlandic independence from Denmark but has also clarified that Greenland is not available for purchase.
Scholz highlighted the significance of NATO in European defense, noting, “Nato is the most important instrument for our defence and a central pillar of the transatlantic relationship,” implicitly reminding of the alliance’s collective defense clause.
In response to queries about potential US aggression, Barrot reassured that he did not believe an invasion of Greenland by the US was imminent. However, he acknowledged a shift towards a more competitive global landscape, urging Europe to “wake up, build up our strength,” rather than succumb to intimidation or worry.
