France considers troop deployment to Greenland over US remarks
France is contemplating sending troops to Greenland in response to comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump about the island.
The possibility of deploying troops to Greenland was confirmed by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot during an interview with "Sud Radio." Barrot highlighted that France has initiated discussions with Denmark about this potential deployment, although - as he noted - it was not "Denmark's wish."
Support for Denmark
Barrot's statement coincides with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's extensive tour of European capitals to secure support from allies in light of Trump's actions. The newly inaugurated U.S. president has shown growing interest in acquiring the vast Arctic island, not ruling out the use of military force or economic pressure.
Frederiksen has met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, and also plans discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels. Barrot assured that "if Denmark calls for help, France will be there."
During a meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Brussels, Barrot mentioned that his colleagues expressed "very strong support" for Copenhagen and would be ready to consider deploying troops if necessary. However, the French minister does not believe the U.S. will choose to invade Greenland, emphasising that "people don't invade EU territories."
