Paris, France – French President Emmanuel Macron stated that it is “unthinkable” for Europe to accept any “colonial approach” to the continent, emphasizing that Europeans must use all available political and economic tools when their sovereignty or strategic interests are not respected.
This was a clear reference to the renewed controversy surrounding the US position on Greenland.
Macron’s remarks came amidst a broader European debate sparked by US President Donald Trump’s repeated calls,
at various times, to expand American influence in Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Europe is not a naive continent
Macron argued that such proposals “disregard the rules of relations between allies” and contradict the principles of respect for national sovereignty upon which the modern international order is based.
The French president added that Europe “is not a naive continent” and that it must act
as a unified political force capable of defending its interests,
whether they concern security, natural resources, or strategic investments in sensitive regions such as the Arctic.
Respect for Europe is a red line
He stressed that respect for European countries, including Denmark, is a “red line” that cannot be crossed under any pretext.
Greenland is gaining increasing geopolitical importance due to its strategic location in the Arctic,
its rare natural resources, and its role in future shipping lanes as the ice melts.
The island has also hosted a US military presence for decades under NATO arrangements,
making it a delicate balancing act between security cooperation and political influence.
In this context, Macron emphasized that the transatlantic partnership must be based on mutual respect,
not on dictates or imposing a fait accompli.
He called on the European Union to strengthen its strategic independence and coordinate
its foreign policy positions more decisively to prevent such crises from recurring within the Western camp itself.
