French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Greenland on 15 June. The trip signals support for Denmark as the United States continues to show interest in the Arctic island.
Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, confirmed the visit on Saturday. It comes as global attention grows around Greenland’s rich natural resources. US President Donald Trump has suggested that the US might seek control of the territory.
Focus on security, development, and climate
Macron will meet with Prime Minister Frederiksen and Greenland’s new leader, Jens-Frederik Nielsen. Talks will take place in Greenland, which remains a semiautonomous part of Denmark. The discussions will focus on Arctic and North Atlantic security, energy, climate change, and economic development.
France is one of the EU’s major military powers, so Macron’s presence shows Europe’s growing interest in the region. Frederiksen said the visit was timely, especially with recent debates about Greenland’s political future.
On Saturday, Frederiksen said recent months had brought foreign policy challenges. She stressed the importance of unity within Europe.
“President Macron’s forthcoming visit to Greenland is yet another clear expression of European unity,” she said. She also praised the strong international support for both Greenland and Denmark.
US comments prompt response ahead of Macron’s visit
Tensions rose earlier this year when President Trump said in March that the US planned to take control of Greenland “one way or the other”. This caused concern in both Europe and Greenland. CNBC reported the comments, which Trump made while speaking to Congress.
“We support your right to choose your future,” Trump said. “If you choose, we welcome you into the United States.” He added that the US would keep Greenland safe and help it grow economically.
Although the tone appeared friendly, Trump made it clear that the US sees Greenland as a national security interest.
Greenland’s leaders rejected the suggestion. In April, Prime Minister Nielsen said the idea was disrespectful. He restated Greenland’s right to self-rule.
“Greenland will never be ‘a piece of property’ that anyone can buy,” Nielsen said.
The topic has received less attention in recent weeks. However, Macron’s planned visit shows that Europe remains involved in the Arctic. It also highlights the close ties between Denmark, Greenland, and the European Union.
