EU stands firm: No compromises on sovereignty amid Trump's Greenland comments
Jean-Noel Barrot, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs head, said the European Union will not allow its borders to be violated. He cited President-elect Donald Trump's recent remarks.
- There is obviously no question that the European Union would let other nations of the world attack its sovereign borders, whoever they are. We are a strong continent - assured Barrot.
For several days, Donald Trump has insisted that the United States needs Greenland "for national security reasons."
During a conference on Tuesday at his estate in Florida, he was asked whether he could ensure that he would not use force to take control of Greenland and the Panama Canal.
- No, I can't assure you on either of those two [Greenland or Panama Canal -ed.] But I can say this, we need them for economic security - said Trump. Asked again whether he would commit to refraining from the use of force, he replied that he could not do that. - He further suggested that taking action might be necessary.
Speaking about Greenland, Trump claimed that America needs the world's largest island "for national security reasons" and added that Denmark's rights to it are not certain.
Trump argued that even if Denmark holds onto the territory, they should relinquish it for the sake of national security and the protection of the free world. He pointed out the presence of numerous Chinese and Russian ships visible without binoculars, emphasizing the need to prevent such influence. He also warned that if Denmark refused, he might impose significant tariffs as a response.
Another attempt by the USA to acquire Greenland
He added that the Greenlanders would likely vote for independence or join the USA. During his first term, Trump tried to buy Greenland, but the authorities of Denmark and Greenland refused him. This idea was considered a joke, although, according to then-reports by the "Wall Street Journal," Trump returned to the topic several times "with varying levels of seriousness."
Trump is not the first US president interested in purchasing Greenland. This proposal was made as early as 1867, during President Andrew Johnson's term (under his administration, the USA bought Alaska from Russia—editor's note). President Harry Truman made another proposal after World War II. Both proposals were rejected.
