French presidency declared ‘willing to contribute’ amid tensions over Trump’s attempts to annex autonomous Danish territory
A wants a NATO exercise to be held in and is “willing to contribute to it”, announced the French Presidency this Wednesday (21), amid tensions over the attempts of the President of the United States, to annex the autonomous Danish territory.
Since returning to the White House a year ago, the Republican leader has argued that he “needs” the island rich in minerals and rare earths for national security reasons, to prevent Russia and China from imposing their hegemony.
“France is requesting a NATO exercise in Greenland and is prepared to contribute to it,” the Elysee Palace declared.
Several European countries, including France, Germany and the United Kingdom, sent a small team of soldiers last week on a reconnaissance mission in preparation for a Danish exercise organized with NATO allies but outside the Atlantic alliance framework and therefore without U.S. involvement.
This action provoked the ire of Trump, who threatened to impose tariffs of up to 25% on eight European countries that oppose his plans for Greenland. France believes a NATO exercise would allow it to engage Washington and demonstrate that Europeans take Arctic security seriously.
*With AFP
