It is not an option for the EU to let other countries in the world, regardless of who they are, attack its sovereign borders, says France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot in an interview with radio channel France Inter.
Barrot emphasizes that he does not see it as likely that the USA would "invade" Greenland, but that it shows that countries in Europe need to re-evaluate things and strengthen their defense in a world where might makes right.
Greenland self-governing
The French minister describes Greenland as "European territory". Greenland is a highly self-governing part of Denmark, but not a member of the EU. It is classified as a non-European area with a special connection to the union.
The USA's incoming president Donald Trump said on Tuesday that it is "an absolute necessity" for the USA to take over the island and refers to "national security and freedom worldwide". When asked how this would be done, he did not rule out a military intervention.
EU: Sovereignty must be respected
Also, the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, comments on the statements, without specifically mentioning Trump:
In my discussions with our European partners, there has been a remarkable lack of understanding for the latest statements from the USA regarding the principle of the inviolability of borders.
The EU's foreign service does not want to give a specific comment on Trump's statements.
As a principle, it applies that states' sovereignty must be respected, says spokesperson Anitta Hipper sweepingly.
