Amid US Threat to Takeover Greenland, Canada and France Open Their Consulates

Canada and France inaugurated diplomatic consulates in Greenland’s capital on Friday, signaling support for Denmark and the semiautonomous Arctic island amid rising US interest .

Canada’s maple-leaf flag was raised as Foreign Minister Anita Anand officially opened the consulate, highlighting strengthened ties on defense, security, climate action, and Arctic cooperation . Anand emphasized that Canada will stand with Greenland and Denmark on issues of economic resilience and multilateral collaboration in the Arctic.

France appointed Jean-Noël Poirier as its first Consul General , making it the first EU country to establish a diplomatic outpost in Greenland. While France currently lacks a physical consulate building, Poirier will focus on political, cultural, scientific, and economic cooperation . The move followed President Emmanuel Macron’s June 2025 visit , reflecting France’s growing Arctic interest.

The consulate openings come after US efforts to secure influence over Greenland, including discussions by former President Donald Trump about a potential takeover and tariff threats against Denmark and other European nations that opposed US plans. Technical talks are ongoing between the US, Denmark, and Greenland to develop an Arctic security framework .

European nations broadly oppose unilateral US attempts , emphasizing Greenlandic sovereignty and multilateral cooperation. Analysts view the Canadian and French consulates as a signal of NATO solidarity and a move to balance US influence in the Arctic.

Greenland’s strategic importance is underscored by its rich mineral resources , emerging Arctic shipping routes , and defense significance , making it a critical hub in global Arctic geopolitics.