European leaders have strongly criticized US President-elect Donald Trump after his controversial remarks about potentially using military force or economic pressure to take control of Greenland. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz led the backlash on Wednesday, stressing the importance of respecting sovereign borders. “Borders must not be changed by force. This principle applies to all countries, whether in the East or the West,” Scholz said, expressing that Trump’s comments had caused significant confusion among European Union leaders. He also emphasized the need for unity, stating, “We must stand together.”
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot joined the criticism, declaring Greenland as “European territory” and making it clear that the EU would not tolerate any threats to its sovereignty. The European Commission, while avoiding direct engagement, reaffirmed that Greenland is covered under the EU’s mutual defense clause, obligating member states to collective defense in the event of aggression.
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Trump’s Expansionist Agenda
Trump’s remarks, made on Tuesday, included ambitions to gain control of both Greenland and the Panama Canal, citing Greenland’s strategic importance in the Arctic. When asked if he would rule out military or economic action, Trump responded, “I’m not going to commit to that,” further unsettling European allies. He later justified the potential move by saying, “We need Greenland for national security purposes,” referring to rising geopolitical tensions in the Arctic involving Russia, China, and the US.
French government spokesperson Sophie Primas condemned Trump’s comments as a “form of imperialism,” urging European partners to strengthen defense capabilities and reject naivety. “We are seeing a rise in blocs and imperialist tendencies,” she added.
Greenland’s Response
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Bourup Egede, has not yet commented on Trump’s statements. However, Egede, who has called for Greenland’s full independence from Denmark, has previously rejected the idea of selling the island to the United States.
Denmark, which maintains sovereignty over Greenland, took a more diplomatic stance. Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the US on potential cooperation but firmly rejected the idea of Greenland becoming part of the United States.
Global Reactions
Trump’s remarks sparked global criticism, including from Canada and Mexico. Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc condemned Trump’s suggestion that Canada could become the “51st state,” calling it disruptive and dismissive. Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum mocked Trump’s proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” suggesting instead that North America be renamed “Mexican America.”
