PARIS January 7, 2026 – France is collaborating with European partners to prepare a coordinated response in the event the United States pursues control over Greenland, French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced on Wednesday.
The statement follows reports that President Donald Trump is actively discussing options to acquire the strategically vital Arctic island, including the potential use of military force.
Barrot emphasized that France is “working with partners on a plan over how to respond should the United States act on its threat to take over Greenland.” He added that the issue would be discussed later in the day during a meeting with the foreign ministers of Germany and Poland.
The White House confirmed on Tuesday that Trump views acquiring Greenland as a national security priority to counter adversaries in the Arctic region, stating that military options are “always on the table.”
Greenland, an autonomous territory of NATO member Denmark with a population of about 56,000, is rich in rare earth minerals and holds significant geopolitical importance due to its location between North America and Europe.
Danish and Greenlandic officials have firmly rejected any notion of transferring sovereignty to the U.S., with leaders reiterating that the island is not for sale.
Trump’s renewed interest revives his 2019 proposal to purchase Greenland, which was dismissed at the time as absurd by Danish authorities. The current discussions mark an escalation, with reports of military considerations drawing international concern.
European allies appear united in monitoring the situation closely, though specifics of the contingency plan remain undisclosed. The developments underscore rising tensions in Arctic geopolitics amid competition for resources and strategic positioning.
About The Author
