Canada and France will on Friday open new consulates in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, in a move widely seen as a show of diplomatic support for the Danish autonomous territory following renewed interest by U.S. President Donald Trump in controlling the Arctic island.
Greenland
The openings come amid concerns raised by Trump’s repeated statements since returning to the White House last year, in which he argued that Washington needed control of the mineral-rich and strategically located island for security reasons.
Although Trump appeared to soften his position last month, saying he had reached a “framework” agreement with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte to increase U.S. influence without taking control, Denmark and Greenland have insisted that the island’s sovereignty is non-negotiable.
A joint working group involving the United States, Denmark and Greenland has since been established to address Washington’s Arctic security concerns, though details of the discussions remain undisclosed.
“It’s a victory for Greenlanders to see two allies opening diplomatic representations in Nuuk,” said Jeppe Strandsbjerg, a political scientist at the University of Greenland.
“There is strong appreciation for international support in response to the recent remarks from Washington.”
French President Emmanuel Macron announced France’s decision to open a consulate during a visit to Nuuk in June, where he expressed Europe’s solidarity with Greenland and criticised any attempts to undermine its territorial status.
France’s newly appointed consul, Jean-Noel Poirier, previously served as ambassador to Vietnam.
Canada had earlier announced in late 2024 that it would establish a diplomatic mission in Greenland as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation and engagement with the Arctic territory.
According to Ulrik Pram Gad, an Arctic expert at the Danish Institute of International Studies, the move sends a strong message that Greenland’s status is a matter of broader international concern.
“This shows that the issue goes beyond bilateral relations with the United States. European allies and Canada are signalling that they stand with Greenland as partners and friends,” Gad said.
Security and defence analyst Christine Nissen of the Europa think tank said the development reflects a wider effort to frame Greenland’s future as a European and global issue rather than solely a Danish one.
Analysts also view the opening of additional diplomatic missions as recognition of Greenland’s growing autonomy under its 2009 Self-Government Act.
They say increased diplomatic presence will enable Greenland to build direct international relationships and gain experience that could prove valuable should it pursue full independence in the future.
By expanding diplomatic and economic ties, Greenland could also reduce its dependence on Denmark and diversify its external relationships in trade, investment and politics.
Greenland has maintained diplomatic relations with the European Union since 1992, the United States since 2014 and Iceland since 2017.
Iceland opened a consulate in Nuuk in 2013, while the United States reopened its diplomatic mission in 2020 after previously operating one between 1940 and 1953. The European Commission opened its office in Nuuk in 2024.
