France is working with partners on a plan on how to respond should the United States act on its threat to take over Greenland, a Minister said on Wednesday (January 7, 2026), as Europe sought to address U.S. President Donald Trump’s ambitions in the region.
France is coordinating closely with its European and transatlantic allies to prepare contingency plans amid growing concerns over a possible U.S. move involving Greenland, according to diplomatic sources. The discussions reflect rising unease in European capitals over rhetoric suggesting a more assertive American posture toward the strategically vital Arctic territory, which is an autonomous region under the sovereignty of Denmark, a key NATO member.
Any attempt by the United States to seize or militarily assert control over Greenland would represent an unprecedented rupture within the NATO alliance. Such a move would not only undermine the principle of collective security among allies but also trigger a profound political and strategic crisis across Europe. Analysts warn that it could severely weaken trust within NATO at a time when unity is already being tested by the war in Ukraine and broader geopolitical rivalries with Russia and China.
French officials are said to be examining diplomatic, political and security responses in consultation with partners, emphasising the need to uphold international law, respect national sovereignty and preserve alliance cohesion. The prospect of U.S. action against Denmark has also heightened fears of a wider transatlantic rift, potentially deepening existing divisions between former U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders, many of whom have previously clashed with him over defence spending, trade and foreign policy.
Greenland’s strategic importance—owing to its location in the Arctic, proximity to key shipping routes, and wealth of rare earth minerals—has increasingly drawn global attention. However, European leaders stress that any changes to its status must come through dialogue and legal processes, not coercion. As uncertainty grows, France and its allies are seeking to ensure preparedness while working to prevent a scenario that could fundamentally destabilise NATO and the broader Western alliance.
