Macron warns violation of Greenland's sovereignty to trigger 'unprecedented cascading consequences'

By Necva Tastan Sevinc

ISTANBUL (AA) - French President Emmanuel Macron warned Wednesday that any violation of Greenland’s sovereignty would lead to “unprecedented cascading consequences,” amid renewed statements by the US about taking control of the Arctic island.

Macron made the remarks during a Cabinet meeting, according to government spokesperson Maud Bregeon, as Washington has repeatedly expressed its intention to acquire the autonomous Danish territory.

“We do not underestimate the statements on Greenland. If the sovereignty of a European and allied country were affected, the cascading consequences would be unprecedented,” Bregeon quoted Macron as saying.

She added that France is following the situation “with the greatest attention” and would act “in full solidarity with Denmark and its sovereignty.”

According to French news broadcaster BFMTV, Macron spoke last week with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, while his office said Paris is also holding discussions with Germany and the UK on “the situation and the various options."

Earlier, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot urged Washington to “stop blackmailing” Denmark over Greenland, saying he did not believe a US military intervention was likely and that “nothing could justify it.”

Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has attracted US interest due to its strategic location and vast mineral resources.

Denmark and Greenland have rejected proposals to sell the territory, reaffirming Danish sovereignty over the island.

On Tuesday, Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen confirmed plans for a stronger and more permanent military footprint in Greenland.

“We are now moving forward with the whole issue of a more permanent, larger presence in Greenland from Danish defense, but also with the participation of other countries,” he told reporters.

“Just as we had in 2025, where we saw that there were other NATO countries participating in exercise and training activities in Greenland, we will also see this in 2026.”

On Sunday, Trump said that the US must "acquire" Greenland to prevent a takeover of the island by Russia or China. He previously described owning Greenland as an "absolute necessity" for US economic security, likening it to a "large real estate deal."