French President Emmanuel Macron warned on Jan. 14 that any move affecting the sovereignty of a European ally would have "unprecedented" consequences, commenting on reported U.S. interest in Greenland. Macron said France was closely monitoring the situation and pledged to act in full solidarity with Denmark. Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU's strong ties with Greenland and promised support for Greenlanders. Denmark and Greenland's foreign ministers were set to meet U.S. Vice President JD Vance amid recent tensions.
Macron Warns Any Move Against an Ally's Sovereignty Over Greenland Would Have 'Unprecedented' Consequences
FILE PHOTO: France's President Emmanuel Macron delivers a press conference upon the signing of the declaration on deploying post-ceasefire force in Ukraine during the so-called 'Coalition of the Willing' summit, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, January 6, 2026. Ludovic Marin/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
PARIS, Jan 14 (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron warned on Wednesday that any action undermining the sovereignty of a European ally would trigger "unprecedented" knock-on effects, speaking during a cabinet meeting about reported U.S. interest in Greenland.
According to French government spokesperson Maud Brégeon, Macron said the French government was taking remarks about Greenland seriously and would respond if the sovereignty of an ally were threatened.
"If the sovereignty of a European country and ally were to be affected, the knock-on effects would be unprecedented. France is monitoring the situation very closely and will act in full solidarity with Denmark and its sovereignty," Macron said.
Earlier the same day, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen underscored the strong ties between the European Union and Greenland and said Greenlanders could rely on the EU's support.
The foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland were scheduled to meet with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the White House later on Wednesday, following weeks of comments by U.S. President Donald Trump about Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark.
Context: The remarks reflect heightened diplomatic sensitivity after reports that U.S. officials expressed interest in Greenland. France framed the issue as one of allied sovereignty and collective security within Europe.
Reporting by Elizabeth Pineau and Louise Rasmussen; Editing by Benoit Van Overstraeten and Sudip Kar-Gupta
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