The Blubber

France has engaged in discussions with Denmark about the possibility of deploying troops to Greenland in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated threats to claim the Danish territory, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot revealed.

When asked about proposals to send EU forces to Greenland, Barrot stated in an interview with France's Sud Radio that France had "begun discussions [on troop deployment] with Denmark." However, he emphasized that it was "not Denmark’s wish" to move forward with the idea.

Barrot’s remarks came as Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen embarked on a rapid diplomatic tour across European capitals, seeking support from allies to counter Trump’s growing interest in the Arctic island.

The newly inaugurated U.S. president has intensified his rhetoric about acquiring Greenland, making it clear that he has not ruled out using military force or economic pressure to take control of the territory from Denmark.

On Tuesday morning, Frederiksen held meetings with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. She is also scheduled to meet NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Brussels.

"If Denmark calls for help, France will respond," Barrot stated. "European borders—whether in the north, south, east, or west—are sovereign, and no one can take liberties with them."

During a European Union foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels on Monday, Barrot noted that his counterparts had expressed "strong support" for Denmark and were "prepared to consider [troop deployment]" if necessary.

However, the French foreign minister downplayed the likelihood of an actual U.S. invasion of Greenland. "It won’t happen—nations do not invade EU territories," he said.