France and Canada Open Consulates in Greenland on the Same Day and Subsequent Developments on the Island

French Consul General Poiret, who took office on February 6 in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, said his mission is to listen to the locals' ideas and promote cooperation with France.

US President Trump had strained relations with eight European countries due to his insistence on gaining control over Greenland. However, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that France was the first EU country to open a general consulate in Greenland.

In fact, Canada and France announced on the same day the establishment of consulates in Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. This move demonstrated support for the local government during US President Trump's threats to annex Greenland.

When French President Macron visited Nuuk in June last year, he announced the news of opening the French consulate. He then stated that Europe and Greenland are united and criticized Trump's ambitions regarding this territory.

Canada had already announced its plan to establish a consulate in Greenland in 2024 to enhance bilateral cooperation.

It is less known that the United States and Iceland already have consulates in Greenland. The European Commission also established an office there in 2024.

The dispatch of consuls by Canada and France to Greenland has drawn attention from media and experts. According to AFP, political scientist Strandeburg from the University of Greenland said: "In a way, the presence of two allies, Canada and France, as diplomatic representatives in Nuuk is a victory for the Greenlanders."

Expert Gade from the Danish Institute for International Studies pointed out that Canada and France establishing consulates in Greenland "is a message to Trump that his aggressive actions towards Greenland and Denmark are not only about these two places but also involve European allies and Canada, a friend of Greenland and European allies."

Nielsen, a security and defense analyst at a European think tank, believes that Canada and France establishing consulates is just a small step, part of a strategic move to make Greenland a European issue. "The subsequent impact clearly goes beyond Denmark, involving Europe and even the world." The move also reflects the growing autonomy of Greenland. "In terms of the Greenlanders' pursuit of sovereignty, they hope to establish more direct links with other European countries." This development can help Greenland build more connections with the outside world in economic, trade, investment, and political aspects, no longer completely relying on Denmark, thus reducing Denmark's role in Greenland.

Additionally, the situation of the French Consul General Poiret in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, has also been reported: much of his career has been stationed in Asia, and he previously served as Ambassador to Vietnam. In the future, this French general consulate will support several local tourism companies and French scientists, and will also collaborate with Greenland in mapping underground mineral resources.

According to reports, there are currently only six registered French citizens in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. However, Poiret said that the consul's work is not limited to consular affairs; he came here to protect French interests and promote long-term cooperation with France.

Of course, it is also to better understand what is happening in all areas of this land. His clear mission is to listen to the Greenlanders' ideas about the country's future.

However, Poiret does not yet have a complete team in Greenland and is still looking for an office. He is expected to meet with Greenland's Prime Minister Nielsen later on the 6th and meet with French expatriates in the evening. Poiret said that France and Greenland have long-established relations, which will be further strengthened under Trump's threats.

He also confirmed that French Foreign Minister Barnier will visit Greenland, with the date to be determined. Barnier said in January that establishing a general consulate in Greenland demonstrates the intention to strengthen France's presence in various aspects of Greenland and sends out a "political signal".

What developments will occur in the Greenland issue after Davos?

At the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos in early January, after provoking anger in Europe, US President Trump reached a framework agreement with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, without touching the issue of Greenland's sovereignty, which was seen as a major breakthrough, implying that the US has ceased its insistence on taking over Greenland after confirming its influence in the region.

Denmark's Prime Minister Frederiksen emphasized during an interview with Danish media that Stoltenberg did not have authorization from Denmark to negotiate and reiterated that transferring territory to the US is not something that can be negotiated. She emphasized that we need to find a path that respects international law and sovereignty.

Therefore, apart from the main directions such as Arctic security and defense in Greenland, the specific form of this "framework" and whether any substantive agreements have been reached remain unclear.

After this, the NATO European allies proposed a proposal led by the alliance focusing on the Arctic and Greenland. Another aspect involves updating the 1951 agreement, which grants the US high autonomy in defending Greenland within the NATO framework.

A spokesperson for the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SHAPE) of NATO said on February 3 that NATO has begun planning the "Arctic Sentry" mission. This operation will further strengthen NATO's military deployment in the Arctic and high latitude regions.

On February 4, the chairman of the US Arctic Research Committee, Dansk, told Norwegian media that the health conditions of Greenlanders are poor, they lack freedom, and face discrimination in the job market. Joining the US would bring many benefits to them. The US Arctic Research Committee has been called "Trump's agent in Greenland" by Nordic media.

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1856428770281675/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.