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SouthBayDem

(33,147 posts)
Wed Jan 14, 2026, 09:31 AM Yesterday

France to open consulate in Greenland in a 'political signal' amid Trump threats

Source: France 24

France will open a consulate in Greenland on February 6, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said Wednesday, calling the move a "political signal" over the strategic Danish territory, which US President Donald Trump has vowed to seize.

The comments came as the Danish and ‍Greenlandic foreign ministers are set to ​meet with US Vice President JD Vance at the White House later Wednesday

Since returning to office nearly a year ago, Trump has repeatedly mused about taking over Greenland from longtime ally and European Union member Denmark.

Barrot on Wednesday told French RTL broadcaster that the decision to open the consulate was taken last summer, when President Emmanuel Macron visited Greenland in a show of support.

Read more: https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20260114-france-to-open-consulate-in-greenland-in-a-political-signal-amid-trump-threats

8 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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France to open consulate in Greenland in a 'political signal' amid Trump threats (Original Post) SouthBayDem Yesterday OP
Merci! Chasstev365 Yesterday #1
EU nations should also moniss Yesterday #2
Lots of quicky evolving news on this, including Danish troop deployment RockCreek Yesterday #3
Kick dalton99a Yesterday #4
Shrewd move. More like this please EU! How about putting all mineral rights under general EU contract? dutch777 Yesterday #5
Good idea Bayard Yesterday #7
Thank you, France travelingthrulife Yesterday #6
Excellent! The more allies that are willing to place themselves in harms way, the better. Buddyzbuddy Yesterday #8

moniss

(8,780 posts)
2. EU nations should also
Wed Jan 14, 2026, 09:53 AM
Yesterday

commit some troops and hardware to Greenland in a show of support for Denmark.

RockCreek

(1,374 posts)
3. Lots of quicky evolving news on this, including Danish troop deployment
Wed Jan 14, 2026, 10:19 AM
Yesterday
https://www.newsweek.com/greenland-trump-us-denmark-nato-white-house-arctic-11347275

55 min ago
Jan 14, 2026 at 09:21 AM EST

Denmark to expand NATO military exercises in Greenland amid rising Arctic tensions
Denmark has announced plans to intensify military exercises in Greenland in cooperation with NATO allies, citing growing security concerns in the Arctic. The Ministry of Defence said the expanded drills will strengthen allied capabilities in harsh polar conditions and reinforce security across Europe and the Atlantic.

Upcoming exercises in 2026 will involve larger deployments of aircraft, naval vessels, and troops, alongside coordination with Greenlandic authorities, Inuit-led partners, and local police. The Arctic Command will provide regular updates to residents and maintain dialogue with local stakeholders.

The move builds on operations conducted in 2025 with contributions from Germany, France, Sweden, and Norway, which focused on defending Greenland’s critical infrastructure.

Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt emphasized that bolstering Arctic security is a priority under NATO membership, while Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the expanded activities are a “natural continuation” of last year’s efforts. He added that Denmark and its allies will assess further increases in presence and cooperation in the coming weeks.

dutch777

(4,904 posts)
5. Shrewd move. More like this please EU! How about putting all mineral rights under general EU contract?
Wed Jan 14, 2026, 11:18 AM
Yesterday

Don't have to have a lot of specifics just an agreement that says EU countries have right of first refusal, all other details to be determined by mutual agreement of the signed parties later. Assuming that is what Trump's real interest in Greenland is, pretty much makes a poison pill.

Bayard

(28,701 posts)
7. Good idea
Wed Jan 14, 2026, 12:54 PM
Yesterday

Show trump other members of NATO are not just going to roll over, and let him take what he wants.

Another trumpian powder keg. Who will fire first?

Buddyzbuddy

(2,167 posts)
8. Excellent! The more allies that are willing to place themselves in harms way, the better.
Wed Jan 14, 2026, 01:47 PM
Yesterday

It makes Greenland a high risk target.

Not only has Greenland done nothing to justify an American attack but the U.S. would risk literally attacking additional allies.

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