Key Takeaways:

• France and Germany criticize Donald Trump's remarks about potential military action regarding Greenland.
• European leaders assert that the EU will not allow attacks on its "sovereign borders."
• Russia closely monitors developments as tensions rise in the Arctic region.
• Denmark reaffirms that Greenland belongs to its residents, emphasizing their right to self-determination.
• Past geopolitical tensions become apparent as the U.S. expresses interest in Greenland's resources.

PARIS: In a resounding response to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's controversial statements regarding Greenland, both France and Germany have issued stern warnings against threatening "sovereign borders." Trump's rhetoric regarding potential military action to acquire Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, has drawn condemnation from European leaders who stress the importance of territorial integrity.

French Foreign Minister (Times of India) Jean-Noel Barrot emphatically stated, "There is no question of the EU allowing any nation to attack its sovereign borders." His sentiments echoed those of German Chancellor (Times of India) Olaf Scholz, who clarified that "borders must not be moved by force," reiterating the inviolability of borders under international law. Scholz noted that there was a prevailing sense of incomprehension among EU nations concerning Trump's statements, particularly amidst ongoing tensions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Commenting on the geopolitical landscape, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged that Russia is closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing its strategic interests in the Arctic. "The Arctic zone is an area of our national and strategic interests," he stated, highlighting the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region amidst rising tensions surrounding Trump's comments (BBC).

As Trump reiterated his views on Greenland's significance for U.S. national security, he refused to eliminate the possibility of using military or economic force to achieve U.S. control over the territory (Al Jazeera). His remarks were met with caution by Danish leaders, including Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who maintained that decisions about Greenland should rest with its people, asserting, "Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders." Frederiksen further stressed the joint history and strong relations between Denmark and the U.S.

Greenland's Prime Minister, Mute Egede, has embraced this sentiment by calling for greater independence from Denmark, emphasizing that the island's future lies in the hands of its inhabitants (Al Jazeera). The discussions surrounding Greenland reveal underlying tensions rooted in colonial histories and shifting power dynamics in the Arctic, a region rich in untapped resources.

As Denmark grapples with Trump's provocative statements, political leaders emphasize the need for calm and dialogue. Sessions in the Danish parliament have revolved around maintaining a cooperative stance with both Greenland and the U.S., ensuring that the territorial aspirations do not incite unnecessary conflict. With voices from across Europe calling for respect and restraint, the message remains clear: the sovereignty of nations must be upheld to prevent escalation into international crises (BBC).

For further information, you can read the full articles from the original sources: Times of India, BBC, Al Jazeera.