French President Emmanuel Macron has criticised US President Donald Trump’s repeated claims that the United States should take over Greenland. During a six-hour visit to the Arctic island, Macron made it clear the Arctic island was not for sale, and not to be taken.

“I don’t think that’s what allies do,” Macron said as he arrived in the Danish autonomous territory. The French president stated that his visit was meant to show “France’s and the EU’s solidarity” with Greenland. The trip took place en route to a G7 summit in Canada.

“It’s important that Denmark and the Europeans commit themselves to this territory, where the strategic stakes are very high and whose territorial integrity must be respected,” Macron said.

GREENLAND’S STRATEGIC VALUE DRAWS GLOBAL ATTENTION

Greenland, home to around 57,000 people, is located in a geopolitically sensitive area between the Atlantic and Arctic. Trump previously argued that the US needs Greenland for national security reasons and even suggested that force could be used if needed. The Danish government, however, has made it clear that “Greenland is not for sale” and that only the people of Greenland can decide their future.

While Greenlanders have expressed a desire for independence from Denmark, most citizens have opposed the idea of becoming part of the United States. Macron’s office called his brief visit as “a signal in itself,” requested by both Denmark and Greenland. He met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen aboard a Danish naval vessel.

US PRESENCE AND PRESSURE RAISE ALARMS IN EUROPE

Tensions over Greenland rose earlier this year when US Vice President JD Vance visited the Pituffik military base and accused Denmark of failing to protect Greenland’s interests. The base is vital for the US missile defence system due to its strategic location along the shortest route between Russia and North America. Its importance doubled after the melting Arctic ice opened new shipping lanes and revealed rare earth minerals.

Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth was asked in Congress about reports that the Pentagon has plans to take over Greenland by force if necessary. He refused to provide direct answers.

Greenlandic Prime Minister Nielsen has called US comments about acquiring the island as “disrespectful” and firmly stated that it would “never, ever be a piece of property that can be bought by just anyone.” He added that France’s support has been evident from the beginning and is “both necessary and gratifying.”