France has stated it is coordinating with allies on a potential response should the U.S. attempt to invade Greenland, as tensions rise over Donald Trump’s increasing threats to take control of the Arctic territory.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot mentioned the topic will be addressed at a meeting with German and Polish counterparts on Wednesday. “We want to take action, but we want to do so together with our European partners,” he said in a radio interview.
Denmark has warned that if the U.S.—a fellow NATO ally—were to invade or seize Greenland, which is part of the Danish realm, it would signal the collapse of the Western military alliance and the post-World War II security order.
On Tuesday, after a senior Trump aide suggested the U.S. might consider using force to take Greenland, European leaders united behind Denmark and Greenland in an unusual rebuke to the White House, affirming that Greenland “belongs to its people.”
Nevertheless, the White House stated Tuesday night that Trump and his team were exploring “a range of options” to acquire Greenland, including potential military action, which it described as “always an option.”
However, Barrot reported that in a phone call on Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured him he had “ruled out the possibility of an invasion” of Greenland.
Trump has long shown interest in acquiring Greenland. In recent days, following the U.S. military operation in Venezuela that ousted President Nicolás Maduro, the administration’s rhetoric—and resulting international tensions—have intensified, casting doubt on NATO’s future.
On Tuesday night, the Danish parliament held an emergency session to address the unprecedented crisis.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt are seeking an urgent meeting with Secretary Rubio. “We would like to add some nuance to the conversation,” Rasmussen posted on social media. “The shouting match must be replaced by a more sensible dialogue. Now.”
Trump has asserted that Greenland is “full of Chinese and Russian ships” and that Denmark is unable to defend the territory, which he claims is crucial for U.S. national security.
However, Rasmussen clarified after the emergency session that the U.S. portrayal of events in Greenland is inaccurate. “The image that is being painted of Russian and Chinese ships right inside the Nuuk fjord and massive Chinese investments being made is not correct,” he stated.
He described the situation as “based on a misreading of what is up and what is down,” adding, “We are looking after the kingdom.”
Denmark’s Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen also challenged U.S. claims that Denmark is not adequately protecting Greenland, noting, “We have invested close to 100 billion Danish kroner (£11.6 billion) in security capabilities.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the hypothetical scenario of France and its allies discussing a response to a potential US invasion of Greenland
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 Why would the US even consider invading Greenland
This is a purely hypothetical scenario In theory motivations could include securing strategic resources establishing military dominance in the Arctic due to new shipping routes from climate change or a drastic fictional shift in global politics
2 Who are France and its allies in this context
Primarily this refers to other members of the European Union and NATO especially Denmark It could also include other global partners who value international law and the current world order
3 Isnt the US a close ally of France and Europe Why would they oppose it
Yes the US is a key ally through NATO Opposing such an action would be about principles not breaking the alliance They would be opposing a violation of a sovereign allys territory which undermines the very rules that keep alliances strong
4 What could they actually do to respond Its not like they could fight the US
Direct military confrontation is extremely unlikely Responses would be diplomatic and economic emergency UN meetings condemning statements recalling ambassadors and potentially imposing sanctions or freezing military cooperation projects
5 What is Greenlands status Is it its own country
Greenland is a vast selfgoverning territory within the Kingdom of Denmark Denmark handles its foreign and defense policy So an invasion of Greenland would be an attack on Denmark a NATO member
Advanced Strategic Questions
6 Whats the biggest legal issue with this hypothetical invasion
It would be a blatant violation of Article 5 of the NATO treaty An attack on one member is considered an attack on all The shocking twist would be that the attacker is itself the alliances leading member creating an unprecedented legal and political crisis
7 How would this split NATO
It would cause a catastrophic split Members would be forced to choose between supporting the alliances core defensive principle or following the US due to political pressure bilateral ties or fear It could effectively paralyze or destroy NATO
