France and allies prepare for scenario of US seizing Greenland
Photo: French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noel Barrot (Getty Images)
France is working with its partners on a contingency plan in case the United States takes steps to seize Greenland, according to a Reuters report citing Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.
"France is working with partners on a plan over how to respond should the United States act on its threat to take over Greenland," the diplomat said.
Barrot added that the issue would be discussed during his January 7 meeting with his German and Polish counterparts.
US statements on Greenland
Following a military operation in Venezuela that overthrew dictator Nicolás Maduro, US President Donald Trump once again expressed his desire to gain control of Greenland in the Arctic.
In his latest interview, he said that the US "absolutely" needs the island, claiming it is allegedly "surrounded" by Russian and Chinese fleets. Trump also believes Denmark is incapable of defending it.
Recently, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said Greenland should become part of the United States as part of the US security system and did not rule out a military takeover of the island.
Miller's wife, Katie, also shared a map of the island in American colors.
Meanwhile, the White House has called the acquisition of Greenland a priority, while not ruling out the use of military force.
Reaction from Denmark and the EU
Amid these statements, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any US attempt to seize Greenland—especially by military means—would effectively spell the end of NATO.
Denmark also urged Donald Trump to stop making "threats" over Greenland. Copenhagen said the US has no right to annex any part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stressed that no NATO member should attack or threaten another member of the Alliance.
