Europe warns Trump over threat to take over Greenland as he refuses to rule out military action
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Donald Trump has ignited a diplomatic firestorm, with European leaders warning him against threatening Greenland. Germany and France have condemned the president-elect's refusal to rule out military action to seize the autonomous Danish territory, escalating fears of a global crisis before his second term has even begun. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz did not mince words, reminding the US that “the principle of the inviolability of borders applies to every country... no matter whether it’s a very small one or a very powerful one.”.
Scholz, speaking to reporters in Berlin, said there was “certain incomprehension” over the provocative statements from Trump’s incoming administration. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot struck an equally defiant tone, saying: “There is obviously no question that the European Union would let other nations of the world attack its sovereign borders.” He warned that global politics was entering a dangerous era where “survival of the fittest” seemed to reign but vowed Europe would not be intimidated.
Trump’s renewed push to acquire Greenland came during a typically combative press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate. The president-elect called the Arctic island “critical” for US national and economic security, even refusing to rule out using military or economic force to take it. “No, I can’t assure you on either of those two,” he said when pressed about Greenland and the Panama Canal. “But I can say this: we need them for economic security.”.
