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France and Germany Warn Trump Against Military Action on Greenland, Denmark Open to Dialogue

Jan 8, 2025, 03:34 PM

France and Germany have issued warnings to US President-elect Donald Trump against threatening the sovereignty of European borders, following his refusal to rule out military action to take control of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the principle of the inviolability of borders, stating that it applies to every country regardless of its power. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot declared that the European Union would not allow any nation to attack its sovereign borders, and noted that the EU's mutual defense clause would apply to Greenland in the event of an attack. Trump's comments sparked concern among European leaders, who are reacting to his statements about Greenland and the Panama Canal, both of which he has expressed interest in controlling for national security reasons. Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen has expressed openness to dialogue with the US regarding cooperation in the Arctic, but has firmly stated that Greenland is not for sale and will not become a US state. Greenland's Prime Minister Múte B. Egede, who supports independence from Denmark, has also rejected Trump's past suggestions of purchasing the island. Trump threatened to impose high tariffs on Denmark if it resists his offer to purchase Greenland. Additionally, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr, made a brief visit to Greenland, which added to the tensions surrounding the issue.