France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot’s statement follows rising tensions between Denmark and the US, sparked by President Trump’s demand for Greenland’s cession to the United States.
Amidst a dispute between Denmark and the US concerning Greenland, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has indicated France’s willingness to deploy troops to the Arctic island. US President Donald Trump previously proposed purchasing Greenland and has recently reiterated this, emphasizing its strategic importance for US national security, even suggesting the possibility of military action. Denmark, which governs the autonomous territory, maintains that Greenland is not for sale.
In a Tuesday interview with France’s Sud Radio, Barrot revealed preliminary discussions with Denmark regarding troop deployment, acknowledging Denmark’s current lack of interest in such a mission. He affirmed France’s commitment to assisting Denmark if requested, emphasizing the sovereignty of European borders and rejecting any interference with them.
According to the minister, fellow EU foreign ministers expressed support for Denmark during Monday’s meeting, indicating a similar readiness to consider troop deployments. Barrot expressed confidence that a US seizure of Greenland is unlikely, stating that EU territories are not subject to invasion.
Over the weekend, the chairman of the EU Military Committee (EUMC), General Robert Brieger, suggested that alongside existing US forces, EU troops should also be considered for deployment in Greenland. A US military base has been present on the island since the 1940s. In an interview with Die Welt, General Brieger argued that such a deployment would strengthen regional stability amid potential tensions with Russia and China, especially given the geopolitical implications of the melting polar ice caps and the island’s rich resources and strategic location.
Brieger also noted that while Greenland isn’t legally part of the EU, its resources and proximity to trade routes present significant interests for the bloc. He expressed his expectation that the US would respect Greenland’s territorial integrity and the UN Charter.