17 February 2025,   10:59
more
France mulls sending EU troops to Greenland
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration -:-
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time -:-
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected

      French Foreign Affairs minister Jean-Noël Barrot has not ruled out sending European troops to Greenland "if our security interests are at risk", he signalled in a radio interview on Tuesday, writes EURACTIV.

      Barrot told Sud Radio discussions were being held with Denmark on the deployment of EU troops in case a security risk arises he said, but ruled out any immediate action. “At this point, it is not Denmark`s wish", he said.

      His statements come after Copenhagen announced a EUR 2 billion investment on Monday to strengthen Arctic defense capabilities, including the addition of three new navy vessels.

      On Tuesday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen held a spate of bilateral meetings, including with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin and President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. She also met with NATO chief Mark Rutte.

      Greenland was not formally a discussion point between Macron and Frederiksen, though both were expected to address "European security and defense issues," according to a press release.

      Diplomatic sources told Euractiv that Barrot’s remarks were not discussed during the meeting.