Canada and France will open consulates in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, on Friday, February 6, in a strong show of support for the Danish autonomous territory, as both countries oppose US President Donald Trump’s stated desire to control the island.
Since returning to the White House last year, Trump has repeatedly argued that Washington needs to control the strategic, mineral-rich Arctic island for security reasons. Last month, however, he appeared to soften his stance, saying he had reached a “framework” agreement with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to secure greater American influence without taking control.
A joint US–Denmark–Greenland working group has since been set up to address Washington’s security concerns in the Arctic, although details of the discussions have not been made public. While Denmark and Greenland acknowledge shared security interests with the United States, both have insisted that sovereignty and territorial integrity remain non-negotiable.
“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, adding that there is strong appreciation for the international support in response to Trump’s remarks.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced France’s plan to open a consulate during a visit to Nuuk in June, where he expressed Europe’s solidarity with Greenland and criticised any ambitions to undermine its status. The newly appointed French consul, Jean-Noel Poirier, previously served as France’s ambassador to Vietnam.
Canada had announced in late 2024 that it would open a consulate in Greenland to strengthen cooperation and engagement with the territory.
According to Ulrik Pram Gad, an Arctic expert at the Danish Institute of International Studies, the move sends a clear signal that Trump’s rhetoric is not just a bilateral issue. He said it shows that concerns over Greenland involve European allies and Canada, standing together as partners and friends of Greenland.
Security and defence analyst Christine Nissen of the Europa think tank said the move is part of a broader strategy to frame the issue as a European and global concern, not merely a Danish one.
The opening of the consulates is also seen as recognition of Greenland’s growing autonomy under its 2009 Self-Government Act. Analysts say the presence of more diplomatic missions will allow Greenland to build direct relationships with other countries and gain experience that could be useful if it eventually pursues full independence.
By expanding its diplomatic and economic ties, Greenland can reduce its reliance on Denmark and diversify its external relationships across trade, investment and politics, experts say.
Greenland has maintained diplomatic ties with the European Union since 1992, with the United States since 2014 and with Iceland since 2017. Iceland opened a consulate in Nuuk in 2013, while the United States reopened its own mission in 2020 after previously operating one between 1940 and 1953. The European Commission opened its office in Nuuk in 2024.