Germany, France kick as Trump eyes control of Greenland

Germany and France have warned US President-elect Donald Trump against any attempt to take over Greenland.

Trump has repeatedly voiced his desire to acquire Greenland, saying the Danish-administered Arctic Island is “critical” for national and economic security.

The president-elect mulled the idea during his first term in 2019.

Although Greenland has been pushing for independence from Denmark, the territory has reiterated that it is not for sale.

Denmark, a long-time US ally, has also said Greenland is not for sale, insisting that the island belongs to its inhabitants.

Trump said he is prepared to use economic tariffs or military might to seize control of Greenland.

In a statement on Wednesday, Olaf Scholz, Germany’s chancellor, said Trump’s remarks had triggered “incomprehension” among European leaders.

“The principle of the inviolability of borders applies to every country—regardless of whether it is east of us or to the west—and every state must respect that, regardless of whether it is a small country or a very powerful state,” the statement reads.

Earlier, Jean-Noël Barrot, French foreign minister, said Europe would stand up in defence of international law.

“There is no question of the EU letting other nations in the world, whoever they may be, attack its sovereign borders,” Barrot said.

Denmark is a member of the US-led NATO alliance, like Germany and France.

The renewed US interest in Greenland, particularly in the lead-up to Trump’s inauguration, has highlighted growing tensions within NATO.

This comes as Russia and China work to shift the global balance of power in their favour, exposing divisions within the alliance.