The American president Donald Trump and members of his government have on several occasions expressed a desire to gain increased control over Greenland – also with military interventions if necessary, according to the White House.
Macron's trip to the Danish autonomous territory of Greenland was also a solidarity gesture from the EU's side. The French president directed strong criticism at Donald Trump's threat to take over the island:
That is not something that allies do, he said when he landed in Nuuk on Sunday afternoon.
Macron was welcomed by the Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and the Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Fredrik Nielsen.
It is important to show that Denmark and Europe are deeply engaged (in the matter of) this territory, which has a very great strategic importance. The efforts are high and the island's territorial integrity must be respected, Macron said.
During a press conference, Macron announced that France will open a general consulate on Greenland.
Macron's clear support for the Danish stance took place during the president's trip to the G7 summit in Canada, where Trump is also expected. At the meeting, which begins late on Sunday in Kananaskis in Alberta, the leaders of the other G7 countries, Germany, the UK, Japan, and Italy, will also participate.
During the short visit to Nuuk, the French president visited, among other things, the Danish warship F363 Niels Juel.
