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4d ago

Macron Visits Greenland to Counter US Seizure Threat

He aims to reinforce European backing for its autonomy by boosting Arctic security cooperation.

Homes are built into the rugged landscape on March 12, 2025, in Nuuk, Greenland. The self-ruling Danish territory and world's largest island has been thrust into the geopolitical spotlight as U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to acquire it, citing its strategic value, drawing objections from Danish and Greenlandic leaders. In his State of the Union address, Trump said the US needed Greenland for national security and would "get it one way or the other," but added that he supported Greenlanders' right to determine their own future. The territory holds its general election on March 11.
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French President Emmanuel Macron holds a news conference at the Élysée Palace in Paris on June 13.
French President Emmanuel Macron holds a press conference, at the Elysee Palace, in Paris, Friday, June 13, 2025. Michel Euler/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

Overview

  • Macron is the first foreign leader to visit Greenland since President Trump threatened to seize the island for security reasons.
  • He accepted invitations from Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to send a message of European solidarity.
  • Agenda items include plans to involve the EU in Arctic security and development, highlighted by a visit to an EU-funded hydroelectric station and glacier research flights.
  • Denmark outlined a $2 billion boost to its Arctic defense in January after US Vice President JD Vance’s March stop in Greenland that both Nuuk and Copenhagen viewed as provocative.
  • While a majority in Greenland favors long-term independence, polls indicate residents oppose becoming part of the United States.