Macron expresses support for EU, Denmark sovereignty in Greenland visit

ISTANBUL

French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed France’s and the European Union’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Greenland during remarks to reporters at Nuuk Airport Sunday.

Speaking alongside Danish officials shortly after his arrival, Macron described his visit as “a great honor,” emphasizing France’s solidarity with Denmark and Greenland in the face of growing strategic and environmental challenges in the Arctic.

“I have come to stand with Denmark and Greenland through all the challenges, but also to express France’s and the EU’s support for this territory’s sovereignty, and the need to meet the challenges of economic development, climate emergency, and education,” he said.

Macron also addressed concerns about efforts to undermine territorial sovereignty, stating: “Through France’s commitment, and that of Rome, decisions like the annexation attempt are condemned."

"I believe it is important to demonstrate the engagement of Denmark and Europeans around this territory, which holds major strategic importance and whose territorial integrity must be respected," he added.

Turning to international tensions over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Macron stressed the urgency of renewed diplomatic efforts.

“We must ensure that dialogue resumes as quickly as possible, that is also what I conveyed in my exchange with President Trump, who shares this vision," he said.

"In a few hours, we will have the opportunity to revisit this with the leaders of the G7, and I hope that the coming hours will bring calm and a path of discussion, to avoid any escalation regarding Iran’s acquisition of nuclear capabilities, and more broadly, to avoid any flare-up in the region," he concluded.

During his visit, Macron is expected to meet with representatives from Greenland and Denmark to discuss Arctic security, economic development and climate change.

He is the first foreign head of state to visit Greenland since US President Donald Trump sparked controversy by expressing interest in annexing the territory.

Since returning to Oval Office in January, Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland despite Denmark's firm rejections.

Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark since 1979, has been part of the Danish realm since the 18th century.

Located between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, it is rich in mineral resources and holds significant strategic value.

Both Denmark and Greenland have rejected any proposal to sell the territory. A January survey found an overwhelming 85% of Greenlanders oppose joining the US.

In March, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen urged European nations to support the territory, stating that it “is not and will never be for sale,” adding: “Greenland is run by the Greenlandic people, and that will never change.”