A view of the port in Nuuk, Greenland, as France announces plans to open a consulate on the Arctic island amid rising tensions triggered by US President Donald Trump’s statements on Greenland’s future. Photo: AFP/Odd Anderson

The decision was taken last summer during a visit by President Emmanuel Macron to Greenland and comes as the autonomous Danish territory faces growing pressure from Washington.

Barrot said France wanted to be more visible in Greenland at a time of rising political tension.

“For my part, I went there at the end of August to plan the consulate, which will open on 6 February,” he told RTL radio. “It’s a political signal linked to a desire to be more present in Greenland, including in the scientific field.”

The announcement comes as the Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers are due to meet US Vice President JD Vance at the White House later on Wednesday, following weeks of sharp remarks from Trump about Greenland’s future.

Since returning to office nearly a year ago, Trump has repeatedly said the United States should take over Greenland, arguing that the island is vital to US security interests.

Political Signal 

Barrot rejected that position, saying Greenland’s choice was clear.

“Greenland does not want to be owned, governed or integrated into the United States,” he said. “Greenland has chosen Denmark, NATO and the European Union.”

Greenland’s leaders have also said the island intends to remain an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.

Barrot also criticised Washington’s language, urging the US to end what he described as pressure on a NATO ally.

“Attacking another NATO member would make no sense and would even run against the interests of the United States,” he said. “This blackmail must obviously stop.”

Trump has said the US needs Greenland to prevent Russia or China from expanding their influence in the Arctic. Both countries have increased activity in the region as ice melts, although neither claims Greenland.

The US has long maintained a military base on the island.

Trump dismissed Greenland’s opposition when asked by reporters on Tuesday about comments from Greenland’s prime minister.

“That’s their problem. I disagree with them,” he said. “I don’t know who he is, but that’s going to be a big problem for him.”

'Not for sale'

Denmark and Greenland have both said the island is not for sale and have described US threats as reckless. Several European Union countries have publicly backed Denmark.

Denmark will reinforce its military presence in Greenland and push within NATO for more exercises and a stronger presence in the Arctic, Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said in a statement sent to the French news agency AFP.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has said the most difficult phase of the dispute over Greenland’s future may still lie ahead.