European support for Greenland – Reply by M. Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, to a question in a public session at the Senate (excerpts).
You ask me at the very moment when we’re hosting in our country His Majesty King Frederik X of Denmark. And we welcomed him with all due honours. (…)
The visit provided an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to that country, an ally, a European Union country and a NATO country. And I want to reiterate here that Europe’s borders are non-negotiable, as is the territorial integrity of NATO countries. And nothing justifies the pressure the United States is putting on Denmark today. It’s unjustifiable and unjustified. And particularly in terms of security, because it gets forgotten but the United States had as many as 17 military bases in Greenland. It’s only got one now, but nothing is stopping them, through dialogue with the Danish authorities, from increasing their level of commitment in Greenland.
On the other hand, and contrary to what we may read or hear, there’s no particular Chinese investment in Denmark today.
Finally, Denmark has set an example by announcing that it is stepping up its military efforts in the region. In any case, as far as we’re concerned, my Danish counterpart and I signed a strategic partnership yesterday that reaffirms our commitment to Denmark’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. And thanks to that agreement, we’re going to be able to strengthen our relationship, especially in defence./.
Quelle: France Embassy in the UK
