France to Open Consulate in Greenland 'Within Days'

France has announced it will open a consulate in Greenland within the coming days, a move, according to Defense Minister Katrin Votren, aimed at “demonstrating respect for Greenland’s autonomy.” This decision comes amid a sensitive geopolitical context, against the backdrop of discussions about potential US military presence in the region. Votren emphasized that such a move could lead to serious escalation, given the defense agreement between the US and Greenland since 1951 and the Danish citizenship of Greenland’s residents. France seeks to strengthen its relationship with Greenland, as stated by President Macron during his visit to Nuuk in June 2025. The minister expressed concern about the possibility of a US attack on Greenland, stressing that this could be interpreted as an attack by one NATO member state on another, creating an unprecedented situation. France is closely monitoring the situation and seeks to ensure stability in the region. France's move is seen by many as an attempt to counter the growing influence of the US in the Arctic. Greenland, due to its strategic location, has become a point of interest for many countries. France, with the presence of a consulate, seeks to maintain a strong diplomatic presence in the area. Overall, France’s decision to open a consulate in Greenland is a significant development reflecting increasing geopolitical tensions in the Arctic and France’s desire to play an active role in the region.