French President Emmanuel Macron convened an emergency defence cabinet meeting on Thursday to address escalating geopolitical tensions linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s stated intent to acquire Greenland and the violent crackdown on nationwide protests in Iran, according to Reuters.
The crisis meeting, confirmed by a French government official, began at 07:00 GMT in Paris and brought together senior defence and security officials to assess the implications for European security and regional stability.
French Troops Head to Greenland
In an overnight message published on X, President Macron confirmed that French military personnel are already en route to Greenland to take part in joint exercises organised by Denmark and Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
“At Denmark’s request, I have decided that France will participate in the joint exercises organised by Denmark in Greenland,” Macron wrote. “The first French military elements are already en route. Others will follow.”
French officials said the initial deployment includes around 15 mountain warfare specialists, who will assist in preparations for “Operation Arctic Endurance”, a multinational military exercise focused on Arctic defence capabilities.
Growing Allied Military Presence
Germany, Norway and Sweden have also begun deploying troops to Greenland, signalling coordinated European support for Copenhagen and Nuuk amid heightened tensions over the island’s strategic future.
The military deployments follow a high-level meeting between U.S., Danish and Greenlandic officials, which reportedly revealed deep and unresolved disagreements over Greenland’s political and strategic direction.
Iran Also on the Agenda
Alongside the Greenland issue, Macron’s emergency meeting addressed developments in Iran, where authorities have launched a forceful crackdown on nationwide protests, raising concerns among Western governments over human rights and regional security.
Address to Armed Forces Expected
Later on Thursday, President Macron is expected to deliver a New Year’s address to the French armed forces, where defence priorities, international deployments and global security challenges are likely to feature prominently.
