In a move that has reignited international tensions, Germany and France have issued stern warnings to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump over his renewed interest in acquiring Greenland, the autonomous Arctic island administered by Denmark. Both nations emphasized the inviolability of borders and vowed to uphold international law amid Trump’s controversial comments.
Trump, who previously floated the idea of buying Greenland during his first term in 2019, has reiterated his belief that acquiring the island is critical for U.S. national and economic security. The president-elect has suggested he might resort to economic tariffs or even military force to gain control of Greenland, further inflaming European leaders.
Greenland, which has been pushing for greater independence from Denmark, has unequivocally rejected the notion of a sale. “Greenland is not for sale,” officials from the territory stated, echoing Denmark’s firm stance. Copenhagen has reiterated that the island belongs to its inhabitants and is not a commodity to be traded.
Reacting to Trump’s comments, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the remarks as deeply troubling. “The principle of the inviolability of borders applies universally, whether the country is large or small, powerful or not. This principle must be respected by all,” Scholz said in a statement on Wednesday. He expressed “incomprehension” over Trump’s remarks, signaling frustration among European leaders.
Similarly, France’s Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, underscored Europe’s commitment to defending international law. “The European Union will not tolerate any attempts to undermine the sovereignty of its member states or their territories,” Barrot declared.
Denmark, a key member of the NATO alliance alongside Germany and France, has found itself at the center of growing discord within the transatlantic partnership. The renewed U.S. interest in Greenland comes as NATO faces internal divisions amid increasing geopolitical challenges from Russia and China.
Analysts view Trump’s revived ambition as a reflection of the strategic importance of the Arctic region, which has become a focal point for global power struggles. Both Russia and China have made significant inroads in the Arctic, further fueling U.S. concerns over resource competition and security in the region.
The controversy surrounding Greenland highlights broader fractures within NATO, as allies grapple with conflicting priorities and strategies. European leaders are likely to push back firmly against any unilateral moves by the United States, setting the stage for heightened diplomatic tensions as Trump prepares to assume office.
With the stakes rising in the Arctic, the world watches closely as longstanding alliances face unprecedented strain.
