European leaders, including those in France and Germany, are developing a contingency plan in response to potential U.S. action to seize Greenland, a move that would dramatically escalate international tensions. The announcement comes amid heightened concerns that the U.S. might act on previous suggestions of acquiring the world's largest island.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated on France Inter radio Wednesday that European nations are committed to a unified response should the U.S. attempt to seize Greenland from Denmark, a key European ally. "We want to act together with our European partners," Barrot said, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated approach.

The situation stems from earlier remarks and reports suggesting former U.S. President Donald Trump considered purchasing Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. While the idea was initially dismissed by both Denmark and Greenland, the possibility of a forceful takeover has raised alarms in Europe. Greenland's strategic location in the Arctic, with its vast natural resources and geopolitical significance, makes it a point of contention in an era of increasing global competition.

The Arctic region has become a focal point for international powers, including Russia, China, and the U.S., due to its potential for resource extraction and its importance for shipping routes as ice caps melt due to climate change. Any unilateral action by the U.S. in Greenland could destabilize the region and set a precedent for similar actions elsewhere.

The Danish government has expressed its strong opposition to any suggestion of a U.S. takeover. The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly dismissed parallels between the situation in Venezuela and potential actions in Greenland during a phone call with Barrot, according to the French Foreign Minister.

In September 2025, Danish troops conducted military drills with German and French soldiers in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, signaling a commitment to the island's defense and security. The exercises, documented by Reuters photographer Guglielmo Mangiapane, underscored the growing military cooperation among European nations in the Arctic.

The situation remains fluid, and the exact nature of the European contingency plan has not been disclosed. However, the commitment to a coordinated response indicates a determination to protect European interests and uphold international law in the face of potential U.S. aggression. The next steps will likely involve further diplomatic discussions between European leaders, the U.S., and Denmark to de-escalate tensions and find a peaceful resolution to the issue.