A Canadian-French diplomatic collaboration to challenge Trump in Greenland
In a move interpreted as an apparent expression of political support for Greenland’s autonomy, Canada and France will open official consulates on Friday in their capital, Nuuk.
The move comes in the context of mounting international interest in Greenland, the Danish autonomous region, which is strategically located in the Arctic and has significant mineral wealth.
During his historic visit to Nuuk last June, French President Emmanuel Macron announced his country’s intention to open a consulate there, expressing “Europe’s solidarity” with the region, in statements that included indirect criticism of previous US aspirations under the Trump administration.
Jean-Noël Poirier, a veteran French diplomat who previously served as France’s ambassador to Vietnam, is the first French consul in Greenland.
In a statement before leaving Copenhagen for Nuuk, Poirier explained that his priority would be to “listen to the people of Greenland, understand their point of view,” stressing that the French support would be as much as they and the Danish side wish.
From its part, Canada announced in late 2024 its intention to open a consulate in Greenland with the aim of boosting bilateral cooperation, as Ottawa seeks to expand its presence in Arctic affairs.
The diplomatic moves follow sensational statements by US President Donald Trump, who from the beginning of his second term has stressed what he described as the security imperative of Washington’s control of Greenland.
But Trump last month reversed his public threats to take over the region, announcing a framework agreement with NATO aimed at ensuring greater US influence in the region.
A trilateral task force comprising the United States, Denmark and Greenland has been formed to discuss US security concerns in the Arctic, though details of its work or powers haven’t been disclosed.
In the middle of last month, Macron announced that France would send troops to Greenland at the request of Denmark, to participate in military exercises called “Operation Arctic Resilience”, with the participation of Sweden and Norway as well.
“Any challenge to the sovereignty of a European ally will have unprecedented consequences,” Macron said in a clear statement, stressing that France is closely following the situation and acting in full solidarity with Denmark.
These developments reflect a shift in the Arctic geopolitical landscape, as European countries are rushing to strengthen their diplomatic and military presence in Greenland, in response to US moves and in recognition of the region’s growing strategic importance as the ice melts and new shipping lanes open.
