France Proposes NATO Exercises in Greenland

The French government has proposed conducting NATO exercises in Greenland. This was reported by Reuters, citing a statement from French President Emmanuel Macron's office. According to the publication, Paris is ready to contribute to the organization and implementation of potential exercises.

The initiative comes in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's declaration on January 20 that Denmark is unable to ensure the defense of Greenland. He stated that some Danish officials do not even visit the island and that the United States should establish control there.

On the same day, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Basset announced that Washington is nearing the completion of preparations for a trade agreement with the European Union. At the same time, he noted that the United States intends to impose a 10 percent tariff on several countries that will send military forces to Greenland. Basset stated that these tariffs would be applied if Denmark voluntarily does not relinquish Greenland.