French leader to visit Greenland as sign of solidarity with Denmark

French President Emmanuel Macron will arrive in Greenland on June 15 in a high-profile visit aimed at reinforcing European unity and signaling support for Denmark, following US President Donald Trump’s controversial statements about acquiring the Arctic island.

The visit comes in the wake of renewed geopolitical friction, after Trump declared his interest in taking over Greenland — a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Trump has cited the island’s vast mineral resources and strategic Arctic location, and notably has “not ruled out” the use of force to achieve that goal. In March, US Vice President JD Vance visited an American military base in Greenland, further stoking tensions.

Greenland and Denmark have firmly rejected the idea of a sale. Both governments have reiterated that the island is not for sale and that only Greenland’s people have the right to determine their future. Macron’s visit marks the first by a foreign leader since Trump’s explicit threat to “get” the island. 

Invited jointly by the prime ministers of Greenland and Denmark, the French president said his trip is intended to help safeguard the island’s sovereignty and discourage foreign interference.

“We are here to stand by our European partners,” Macron said ahead of his visit. He has made clear that the purpose of the trip is to prevent any “preying” on the territory.

By Naila Huseynova