France warns US over Greenland takeover risks to EU trade

Friday 16 January 2026 - 09:50

By: Dakir Madiha

France warns US over Greenland takeover risks to EU trade

French Economy Minister Roland Lescure has issued a stark warning to his US counterpart, stating that any attempt to seize Greenland would cross a critical boundary and jeopardize Europe's extensive economic ties with Washington. This message came during a meeting in Washington on January 12, amid rising transatlantic tensions fueled by President Donald Trump's ambitions for the Arctic territory.

Lescure conveyed this directly to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, emphasizing that Greenland forms a sovereign part of a sovereign nation within the European Union. "We shouldn't toy with that," he told the Financial Times. The US Treasury confirmed the meeting took place but made no reference to Greenland discussions, focusing instead on G7 and G20 coordination, shared economic priorities, and critical minerals financing.

The stakes are immense, given the EU-US partnership represents the world's largest bilateral trade relationship, with goods and services exceeding 1,600 billion euros in 2024. The US remains the EU's top export market. When pressed on potential EU sanctions should Trump pursue control over Greenland, Lescure avoided specifics but acknowledged the gravity: "If that were to happen, we'd be in a completely new world, and we'd have to adapt accordingly."

Europe's response is gaining momentum. President Emmanuel Macron cautioned that any threat to Greenland's sovereignty would bring unprecedented consequences, with government spokesperson Maud Bregeon adding that compromising an ally's sovereignty would have far-reaching ramifications. France plans to open a consulate in Greenland on February 6, a move Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot described as a political signal against Trump's threats.

The European Parliament has condemned Trump's claims, offering unequivocal support to Greenland and Denmark while labeling the US president's statements a blatant challenge to international law. Lawmakers are considering suspending a recently finalized EU-US trade deal, with Danish MEP Per Clausen circulating a letter to that effect.

High-level talks at the White House on Wednesday between Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen ended without resolution. The parties agreed to form a working group, but Rasmussen told reporters the US stance remains unchanged, noting Trump's clear intent to take control. Danish Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu urged parliament to treat Trump's comments seriously, while Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen affirmed loyalty to Denmark in any US-Denmark conflict.