Germany and France have warned Donald Trump against threatening Greenland, after the US president-elect refused to rule out using military force to seize Denmark's autonomous territory

Germany and France have issued warnings to President-elect Donald Trump regarding his stance on Greenland, after Trump declined to rule out using military force to take control of the autonomous Danish territory.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized, "The principle of the inviolability of borders applies universally to every nation, regardless of its size or power." French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot echoed this sentiment, stating, "The European Union will not tolerate other nations attacking its sovereign borders."

On Tuesday, Trump reiterated his interest in acquiring Greenland, calling the Arctic island "critical" for national and economic security. This isn’t the first time Trump has expressed a desire to buy Greenland, having floated the idea in 2019 during his first term.

Denmark, a close ally of the United States, has firmly stated that Greenland is not for sale, emphasizing that the decision about its future lies solely with its residents. Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, who advocates for eventual independence, has also made clear that the territory is not up for sale.

Chancellor Scholz expressed concern over Trump’s comments, noting "a certain incomprehension" regarding statements from the incoming administration. "Borders must remain inviolable, whether in the East or the West," Scholz said, while underscoring the importance of NATO as a cornerstone of transatlantic defense and cooperation.

French Foreign Minister Barrot, speaking earlier, dismissed the possibility of a U.S. invasion of Greenland but acknowledged a shift toward a global environment increasingly defined by power struggles. "We must not allow intimidation to dictate our actions. Instead, we should strengthen our resolve and unity," he said.

Trump made these remarks during a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, just weeks before his second term begins on January 20. When pressed on whether he would rule out military or economic force to acquire Greenland or the Panama Canal, Trump replied, "No, I can’t make that assurance. But I can say we need them for economic security."

Greenland holds strategic significance due to its location and resources. It hosts a U.S. radar base vital for tracking Russian and Chinese activity and has substantial deposits of rare earth minerals essential for modern technologies. Trump argued that Greenland's importance extends to "protecting the free world."

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated that "Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders" and only its people could decide its future. However, she acknowledged the importance of maintaining a strong partnership with the U.S.

Greenland MP Kuno Fencker emphasized that the island's sovereignty and self-determination are non-negotiable but welcomed constructive dialogue with the U.S. and other nations. While Fencker suggested the possibility of exploring new partnerships, he underscored that such decisions must rest with Greenland’s population.

Despite Trump's comments, many Greenlanders remain opposed to becoming a U.S. territory. Steffen Kretz, a Danish journalist reporting from Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, noted that while many Greenlanders hope for independence someday, they also recognize the need for a reliable partner to provide essential services and economic support—currently fulfilled by Denmark. "No one I’ve spoken to envisions Greenland becoming a U.S. colony," Kretz said.