Germany has stated that borders must not be altered by force following US President-elect Donald Trump’s refusal to rule out military action to take control of Greenland.
The vast Arctic island is an autonomous territory of EU and NATO member Denmark. German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit emphasized that “as always, the firm principle applies… that borders must not be moved by force,” highlighting international agreements such as the UN Charter.
Hebestreit declined to comment on whether Berlin took Trump’s threats against Denmark seriously, stating, “I don’t want to assess” the comments, and adding that the German government had “taken note” of them.
Later, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz discussed Trump’s remarks with other EU leaders, reiterating that the inviolability of borders is “fundamental international law.” Scholz noted “incomprehension” among EU leaders regarding “certain statements” from the US.
“The principle of inviolability of borders applies to every country, regardless of whether it is to the east or west of us,” Scholz said. His remarks come as Russia invades Ukraine, violating its neighbor’s sovereignty.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot demanded that Trump should not threaten the European Union’s “sovereign borders.” Barrot told France Inter radio, “There is no question of the EU letting other nations in the world, whoever they may be, attack its sovereign borders.”
He added that, while he did not believe the US “would invade” Greenland, “we have entered an era that is seeing the return of the law of the strongest.” Barrot emphasized, “We are a strong continent, we must become stronger.”
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