Canada and France are establishing new consulates in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, in response to the Trump administration’s previous efforts to acquire the territory through tariff threats.
Canada and France are expanding their diplomatic presence in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, with the opening of new consulates. This development follows the Trump administration’s controversial push to acquire the Danish territory, which included threats of imposing tariffs.
On Friday, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand announced the opening of Canada’s consulate in Nuuk. She shared her journey to the capital on social media, emphasizing the importance of strengthening Canada’s presence and partnerships in the Arctic region. Anand later posted a video showcasing the Canadian flag being raised in Nuuk, marking a significant moment for Canadian diplomacy.
Joining Anand for the consulate’s opening was Mary Simon, the Governor General of Canada. The establishment of the consulate had been initially planned for 2024, but adverse weather conditions delayed its opening until 2025.
In a speech earlier this week, Simon expressed her commitment to the people of Greenland, stating, “The future of the Arctic belongs to the people of the Arctic. Tomorrow I will visit Denmark and then on to Greenland. Let me be clear, Canada stands firmly in support of the people of Greenland who will determine their own future.”
On the same day, Jean-Noël Poirier arrived in Nuuk to assume the role of the first French Consul General of Greenland. This move was announced by the French government, which highlighted the significance of establishing a consulate in Greenland as part of its diplomatic efforts in the Arctic.
French President Emmanuel Macron had previously revealed plans for the Nuuk consulate in June, making France the first European Union country to set up a consulate in Greenland. However, the physical location of the French consulate is still in the planning stages.
The French government expressed optimism about the new consulate, stating, “Deep ties of friendship and key joint projects already link France, Denmark, and Greenland, allowing all parties to look forward enthusiastically and confidently to the opening of this new consulate general.” They also reaffirmed their commitment to respecting the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark.
President Donald Trump has been vocal about his interest in acquiring Greenland, with administration officials arguing that Denmark lacks the resources to adequately defend the semi-autonomous island. Top White House aide Stephen Miller previously stated, “Greenland is one-fourth the size of the United States. With respect to Denmark, Denmark is a tiny country with a tiny economy and a tiny military. They cannot defend Greenland; they cannot control the territory of Greenland.”
In January, Trump threatened to impose tariffs of 10% that could escalate to 25% on eight European countries, including France and Denmark, unless they agreed to U.S. acquisition of Greenland. However, he later dropped the tariff threat following a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, during which Trump claimed a “framework” for a deal regarding Arctic security had been established.
The United States had previously closed its consulate in Greenland in 1953 but reopened it in 2020, signaling a renewed interest in the region. This diplomatic activity from Canada and France underscores the growing geopolitical significance of Greenland in the Arctic.
According to The Associated Press, the recent consulate openings reflect a broader trend of nations increasing their presence in the Arctic, a region of strategic importance due to its natural resources and shipping routes.