Macron Calls for Stronger EU Arctic Defense
"In light of Russia's posture in the High North, China's economic presence there, and the strategic consequences of this rapprochement, we share the need to strengthen our defense posture in the Arctic," Macron declared during a trilateral press briefing with Danish and Greenlandic officials in Paris.
Acknowledging that multiple European nations have already initiated enhanced military readiness through collaborative training operations, Macron urged the EU to "play its full role in these efforts, including by revising its Arctic strategy."
"Recent events confirm that the situation in Greenland is a strategic wake-up call for all of Europe—regarding the assertion of our European sovereignty, our contribution to Arctic security, the fight against foreign interference and disinformation, the fight against climate change, and the establishment of a privileged partnership for sustainable development and the reduction of strategic dependencies," Macron emphasized.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen characterized recent weeks as instructive for Europe, asserting that unified continental response without sacrificing democratic principles demonstrates collective defense effectiveness, describing the period as a "decisive moment" that has shown unity works.
"In a situation where the world order as we have known it is under pressure, changing rapidly, or maybe is gone, then we need a stronger Europe than ever, a Europe that is willing and able to stand up for our values and for our principles," Frederiksen stated.
She emphasized European responsibility in constructing a "confident and prosperous Europe of tomorrow."
Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen expressed gratitude toward France for supporting them "without hesitation" and declared that "it's time for unity, not division."
"Our close cooperation in this situation is not only about Greenland. It goes beyond Greenland. For us, this is about the values in the world, our democracy, respect for international law and order, and integrity," Nielsen added.
US President Donald Trump has persistently advocated for American acquisition of Greenland, citing national security imperatives and the necessity to counter adversaries including China and Russia in Arctic regions. Both Denmark and Greenland have consistently rejected proposals involving territorial sale or sovereignty transfer.
Though Trump has tempered his public statements regarding Greenland following last week's discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Davos, Switzerland, discord surrounding American demands persists.
Following the Davos encounter, Trump announced a framework agreement concerning Greenland, designed to address US security priorities. The arrangement's detailed provisions remain classified. Multiple media outlets have reported the proposal would establish US military installations in Greenland as American sovereign territory.
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