Washington’s threat to seize the strategic island has sparked a crisis among NATO countries.
Published January 14, 2026
France is preparing to open a consulate in Greenland next month, saying it reflects the semi-autonomous island’s desire to remain part of the European Union with Denmark.
Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrault told broadcaster RTL on Wednesday that the planned opening of a consulate in the Danish territory on February 6 was a “political signal” amid continued threats from US President Donald Trump to seize the island.
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“This is a political signal related to the desire to have a greater presence in Greenland, including in the scientific field,” Barot said.
“Greenland does not want to be owned, ruled, or integrated into the United States. Greenland has chosen Denmark, NATO, and the (European) Union.”
The French foreign minister’s comments came as Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Vivian Motzfeldt of Denmark and Greenland were scheduled to meet with US Vice President J.D. Vance in Washington, D.C., to discuss the island.
President Trump’s repeated statements that the Arctic will come under U.S. control “in some way” have sparked a crisis within NATO.
European allies have warned that occupation of the island would have serious implications for U.S.-Europe relations.
President Trump has said the United States needs Greenland, where it has long maintained a military base, because of the threat of takeover by Russia and China. He claims that Denmark is disregarding territorial security.
It has also been noted that Greenland is rich in mineral resources, including oil and gas, as well as rare earths needed for technological products.
Denmark’s defense minister said Wednesday that it plans to “strengthen” its military presence in Greenland and is in dialogue with its NATO allies.
“We will continue to strengthen our military presence in Greenland, but we will also place greater emphasis within NATO on more exercises and strengthening NATO’s presence in the Arctic,” Troels Lund Poulsen said in a statement to AFP news agency.
“Big problem”
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen said on Tuesday that Greenland would like to remain part of Denmark rather than join the United States.
“We are currently facing a geopolitical crisis. If we had to choose between the United States and Denmark right now, we would choose Denmark,” he told a news conference in Copenhagen.
Asked about Nielsen’s comments, Trump said: “I disagree with him. I don’t know who he is. I don’t know anything about him. But it’s going to be a big problem for him.”
The US president’s offensive statements continue to provoke pledges of support for Denmark and Greenland from other NATO countries.
Barot said the decision to open the consulate was made in the summer when President Emmanuel Macron visited Greenland to show support. Barot said he visited the island in August to plan the construction of a consulate.
