French President Emmanuel Macron is holding an emergency defense council meeting in Paris on Thursday to discuss U.S. President Donald Trump’s announced plans to acquire Greenland, a Danish island, as well as the violent crackdown by Iranian authorities on ongoing protests in the country.
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Macron stated in a message on X overnight that the first group of French military personnel has already been deployed to Greenland to participate in an exercise organized by Denmark and Greenland, which is a Danish territory.
The crisis meeting, confirmed by a French official, is scheduled to begin at 07:00 GMT. Agence France-Presse was the first to report on the meeting.
Allied countries of Denmark, including Germany, Norway, and Sweden, have begun deploying forces to Greenland in a show of support for Copenhagen and Nuuk.
This deployment coincides with a key meeting between U.S., Danish, and Greenlandic officials, which revealed ongoing significant—and possibly irreconcilable—differences between Washington’s vision and that of Copenhagen and Nuuk regarding the future of the island.
In his post on X, Macron said: “At Denmark’s request, I have decided that France will participate in joint exercises organized by Denmark in Greenland… The first military elements are already on their way, to be followed by others.”
Olivier Beaufort-Darfour, the French ambassador for polar affairs, told France Info radio that the troops sent to Greenland specialize in mountain warfare.
The first contingent consists of approximately 15 personnel who will assist in preparing for the exercise, named Operation Arctic Resilience.
Macron is also scheduled to deliver a New Year address to the armed forces later on Thursday.
Reuters
