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Germany and France have issued stern warnings to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump following his provocative remarks about potentially using military or economic pressure to take over Greenland. Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor, emphasized that the principle of border inviolability applies to all nations, regardless of size or power. "No country, large or small, should face coercion over territorial sovereignty," Scholz stated during a televised address.
Similarly, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed Europe's commitment to defending international law. Speaking on France Inter radio, Barrot remarked, "The EU cannot and will not allow any threats to its sovereign borders." These statements came in response to Trump's insistence that Greenland is "critical" for U.S. national and economic security, underscoring its geopolitical importance as the Arctic region gains prominence.
Trump's interest in Greenland isn't new. In 2019, during his first term, he floated the idea of purchasing the mineral-rich territory, a proposal Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen dismissed as "absurd." Greenland, an autonomous region under Danish administration, holds strategic value due to its natural resources and proximity to Arctic trade routes. However, local leaders, including Greenland's Prime Minister Múte Egede, have rejected any notion of selling the island. "Greenland is not for sale and will never be for sale," Egede reiterated during his recent visit to Copenhagen.
Adding fuel to the fire, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., visited Greenland this week, alleging that Denmark had exploited the island's resources. "The people here deserve more autonomy to unlock their economic potential," he stated, citing untapped reserves of rare earth minerals, gold, and uranium.
While Denmark continues to reject Trump's overtures, it faces growing calls for Greenlandic independence. A 2009 self-government act allows Greenland to hold a referendum on independence, and upcoming local elections in April are expected to gauge public sentiment on the issue. "We are ready to take the next big step toward breaking free from colonial ties," Egede declared in his New Year's address.
Greenland's strategic value extends beyond natural resources. The U.S. already operates the Pituffik Space Base, critical for monitoring Russian activity.
Reflecting on the situation, Scholz pointed to Europe's lessons from Russia's war in Ukraine, urging NATO allies to uphold principles of sovereignty. "Borders must not be moved by force," he concluded, a sentiment echoed by many in the global community.
