THIS DAWN — French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to defend Greenland against what he described as threats of annexation by the United States.
Macron vowed to stand “in full solidarity” with Denmark and the island’s sovereignty.
The announcement comes amid escalating tensions following U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks.
Trump has declared that Washington could seize Greenland “the hard way” if negotiations with Denmark fail.
Macron’s Statement
Speaking at the Istres military air force base in southern France on January 15, Macron confirmed that French forces had already deployed to Greenland.
“A first team of French military personnel is already on site in Greenland and will be reinforced in the coming days by land, air, and maritime assets,” Macron said.
He added that France must be “available in the face of threats, adapt to them, and stand alongside a sovereign state to protect its territory”.
He insisted that Greenland “belongs to the European Union.”
European Coalition in Greenland
France’s deployment is part of a broader European effort under Denmark’s ‘Arctic Endurance’ military exercise.
Reinforcements from Britain, Germany, Norway, and Sweden are also en route.
However, the numbers remain modest:
- France: 15 soldiers already in Nuuk
- Germany: 13 reconnaissance specialists
- Sweden: 3 officers
- Britain: 1 officer
- Norway: 1 officer
Denmark has sent additional troops via C-130 transport aircraft.
However, collectively, European forces are dwarfed by the 150 American troops already stationed at Pituffik Space Base in northern Greenland.
Questions of Resolve
Macron has not specified the scale of France’s military commitment, leaving doubts about whether European forces could realistically deter U.S. military power.
While Macron warned that a U.S. annexation would have “unprecedented consequences,” he stopped short of explicitly threatening military confrontation.
Instead, he emphasized solidarity with Denmark and the EU’s role in defending Greenland’s sovereignty.
Macron’s willingness to project military force abroad is not new:
- France fought a decade-long campaign against jihadists in Africa, though it ended in retreat.
- Macron was among the first European leaders to supply Ukraine with tanks and cruise missiles.
- He recently pledged “several thousand” troops to Ukraine if a peace deal with Russia is reached.
Yet analysts note that Greenland presents a different challenge: unlike Africa or Ukraine, defending Greenland would directly pit France and its allies against U.S. interests.
Skepticism and Criticism
Observers remain skeptical of Macron’s rhetoric.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev mocked the idea of European resistance, suggesting they would “give up Greenland” rather than confront Washington.
Even within the EU, uncertainty persists.
Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius insisted Greenland is covered by the EU’s mutual defense clause.
Meanwhile, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declined to comment, fueling speculation that Brussels may not back Macron’s stance.
American journalist John Varoli told RT that “Washington will always get its way,” dismissing European threats as symbolic rather than substantive.
Macron’s vow to defend Greenland underscores Europe’s growing unease with U.S. ambitions in the Arctic.
However, with only token troop deployments and mixed signals from Brussels, questions remain about whether France and its allies are prepared—or even willing—to confront the United States militarily.
For now, Macron’s promise to “stand alongside” Denmark may be more about political symbolism than a credible deterrent.
