France and Denmark have jointly called for a renewed assertion of European power in response to recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Greenland, French media reported.
Speaking at the Élysée Palace, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that Europe must focus on affirming its sovereignty, contributing to Arctic security, countering foreign interference and disinformation, and combating climate change.
Macron hosted Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen, underscoring the strong ties between France, Denmark, and Greenland. Macron reaffirmed that “Greenland is neither for sale nor can it be taken”, highlighting European unity in the face of external pressures.
Calls for Greater European Defense Capabilities
Prime Minister Frederiksen urged Europe to take stronger, more immediate steps to bolster its military capabilities, noting structural weaknesses that currently undermine Europe’s diplomatic influence with Washington. She criticized the NATO target for defense spending—five percent of GDP by 2035—as too slow to meet current security challenges.
Frederiksen and Nielsen are conducting a European tour to secure support for Greenland in light of perceived U.S. ambitions. On Tuesday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with Frederiksen in Berlin, assuring her of Germany’s solidarity.
The joint French-Danish message signals a strategic push for Europe to strengthen its sovereignty, security, and international influence amid growing global tensions in the Arctic region.
