French Foreign Minister Barrot Cautions Trump on EU Sovereignty Regarding Greenland

Paris (Eurotoday) – French foreign minister said that the EU will not allow others to attack its sovereign borders, reacting to Trump’s remarks on taking over Greenland.

France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, on 8 Jan 2024, cautioned Donald Trump against threatening the “sovereign borders” of the EU after the US president-elect declined to rule out military measures to take control of Greenland, an independent territory of European Union member Denmark.

“There is no question of the EU letting other countries in the world, whoever they may be, attack its sovereign borders,”

Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot informed France Inter radio, adding that while he did not think the US would attack Greenland,

“we have entered an era that is seeing the return of the law of the strongest.”

“If you’re questioning me whether I think the US will invade Greenland, my reply is no. But have we entered into a period when it is survival of the fittest? Then my answer is yes,”

Barrot stated. He said the EU should not let itself be threatened or be overly concerned but should wake up and strengthen.

What did Trump say about military action on Greenland?

In recent statements, Donald Trump has expressed a willingness to consider military action regarding Greenland, indicating that he views control over the territory as vital for U.S. national and economic security. During a press conference, Trump was asked if he would rule out using military force to acquire Greenland. He responded, “I’m not gonna commit to that. No. It might be that you’ll have to do something,” implying that a military move could be on the table if required. 

Trump said about why the United States needs Greenland,

“We need them for economic security,”;

further describing that this territory has become an absolute necessity for Americans. He did add that

“their people, getting Greenland is a good idea,”

and promised they would thus be “protected” from what he called an outside “vicious world.” All this discussion arose after visiting Greenland by one of Trump’s sons. Critics and officials concerned about Trump’s foreign policy direction see his words as indicative of an aggressive foreign policy approach.