Underscoring Greenland’s growing geopolitical significance, French President Emmanuel Macron is visiting the Arctic island today. Experts view this as a demonstration of European unity and a pointed response to recent US actions.
Arriving in Nuuk this morning, Macron will encounter inclement weather, yet his visit is anticipated with considerable warmth.
“This is truly significant, as we’ve never before hosted a presidential visit. It’s incredibly welcome,” states veteran Greenlandic official Kaj Kleist.
Nuuk, a city of fewer than 20,000, will experience the substantial impact of a world leader’s arrival.
“People will be curious, eager to hear his message,” comments consultant and podcast host Arnakkuluk Jo Kleist. “His presence represents Europe’s support, underscoring that Greenland is not for sale, and affirming its relationship with Denmark.”
“Recent months have raised questions about crucial alliances and strengthening cooperation,” she adds.
Macron’s visit, initiated by Greenland’s new Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, will focus on North Atlantic and Arctic security, climate change, economic development, and critical minerals, before he proceeds to the G7 summit in Canada.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, also in attendance, termed the visit “a concrete testament to European unity” amidst recent complex foreign policy challenges.
Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory with a population of 56,000, has faced intense pressure following US President Donald Trump’s repeated assertions of a desire to acquire the island, citing national security concerns and even suggesting the use of force.
“Macron’s visit transcends Greenland; it’s part of a broader geopolitical strategy among major global powers,” notes Kleist.
France was among the first to publicly oppose Mr. Trump, even proposing troop deployment (an offer Denmark declined). At the recent UN’s Oceans conference in Nice, Macron emphatically stated, “the ocean is not for sale, Greenland is not for sale, the Arctic and no other seas are for sale”— sentiments welcomed by Nielsen.
“France has stood by us since the initial acquisition attempts,” Nielsen wrote in a Facebook post. “Their support is both necessary and appreciated.”
Macron’s visit itself conveys a powerful message, according to Ulrik Pram Gad, a senior researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies. He contrasts it with the low-key March visit by US Vice President JD Vance, highlighting the differing signals sent to the American public and to Trump.
This visit underscores Greenland’s strengthening ties with Denmark and the EU, a necessity given the US pressure, according to Kaj Kleist. “This is an opportune moment for Macron’s visit,” Kleist adds. “Discussions about Arctic defense can precede significant NATO meetings, allowing for dialogue about cooperation and investment.”
However, opposition leader Pele Broberg believes Greenland should have hosted bilateral talks with France. “We welcome all world leaders,” he says, “but this visit seems less about Greenland and more about Denmark.”
US-Denmark relations have soured. US Vice President JD Vance criticized Denmark for insufficient investment in Greenland’s security. Denmark’s foreign minister summoned the US ambassador following a Wall Street Journal report alleging US intelligence focus on Greenland. A recent congressional hearing saw US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggest contingency plans for acquiring Greenland by force.
Denmark, however, has proceeded cautiously, recently approving a bill allowing US troop stationing and investing $1.5 billion in Greenland’s defense. This heightened military presence was evident this weekend with Danish naval activity near Nuuk.
Gad notes a shift in Denmark’s security strategy, moving from a transatlantic focus to a more European one.
Amid rising Arctic tensions, the EU is also increasing its involvement. Earlier this month, the EU invested in a Greenland graphite mine, aiming to secure critical minerals and energy resources in the face of China’s influence and the war in Ukraine.
For France, the visit aligns with its policy of promoting European independence from the US, according to Marc Jacobsen, associate professor at the Royal Danish Defence College. “This reflects the altered North Atlantic and Arctic security situation,” he explains. “It’s a strong signal affirming France’s commitment to European security.”
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres spoke at the start of the UN Oceans Conference in Nice, France.
Northern Ireland’s Conor Bradley says Michael O’Neill’s team can ” learn a lot” from their 2-1 defeat by Denmark as they prepare for the start of the World Cup qualifiers in September.
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill says Saturday’s friendly against Denmark is about giving his young squad experience against high calibre opposition.
Denmark has come under international attention for its tough approach. And its Social Democrat prime minister is leading the charge
The activists hid the waxwork under a blanket before taking it out through an emergency exit, reports say.