• French President Emmanuel Macron visited Greenland, marking the first visit by a foreign head of state since Trump's annexation threats.
• Macron criticized the US approach, stating it undermines ally relations and reaffirmed support for Greenland's sovereignty.
• The trip highlights shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Arctic, amid rising tensions and security concerns.

French President Emmanuel Macron's historic visit to Greenland on June 15 is seen as a crucial statement of European unity against U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to annex the strategically significant Arctic territory. In Nuuk, Macron articulated, "That's not what allies do," emphasizing solidarity with both Greenland and Denmark, which maintains sovereignty over the island, according to BBC and Le Monde.

During his six-hour visit, Macron was warmly welcomed by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen. He reiterated France's commitment to respecting Greenland's "territorial integrity," underscoring that it is not for sale, as previously reinforced by Danish officials, according to Le Monde and Reuters.

Macron's visit is particularly notable as he is the first foreign leader to visit Greenland since Trump expressed desires to acquire the mineral-rich island, citing American security interests, and has audaciously suggested the use of force, as reported by Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.

Adding to his remarks, Macron stated, “It’s important to show that Denmark and Europe are committed to this territory, which has very high strategic stakes,” thereby asserting the geopolitical importance of Greenland—especially within the European context—as confirmed by Reuters and Los Angeles Times.

Following initial talks on board a Danish military frigate, Macron was seen visiting a glacier to observe firsthand the impacts of climate change, underlining another aspect of his presidency aimed at addressing global warming challenges, according to Anadolu Agency and Le Monde.

This high-profile visit comes as the EU and Denmark seek to bolster their positions in the Arctic, a region of rising strategic importance amidst competition for natural resources and new shipping routes, strengthened by Macron’s call for a united European action toward Greenland's development and sovereignty amidst U.S. pressures, according to BBC, Los Angeles Times, and Reuters.