On February 10, in an exclusive interview with the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung, French President Emmanuel Macron painted a bleak picture of the future of the old continent. He emphasized that Europe has entered a "decisive stage", where member states cannot rely on anyone other than themselves.
If we do not act, Europe will be swept away within 5 years," Macron warned. This statement was made in the context of the US increasing trade pressure through new tariffs, along with controversial geopolitical ambitions in Greenland.
The French President expressed deep concern about the unpredictability of allies across the Atlantic. "People are desperate. You can't predict how far the Americans are willing to go," he said.
According to Mr. Macron, the issue is not just about the Greenland story, but a signal that Europe is facing a real threat to its position and sovereignty.
Mr. Macron's concern stems from the US administration's announcement on January 31 of the start of negotiations on Greenland's "future ownership". Washington even declared that "a lot of terms have been agreed" and hopes to reach a good agreement for both sides.
US President Donald Trump has long hidden his intention to annex this island to US territory. In his first term, he offered to buy the island and in March 2025, he reaffirmed his confidence that Greenland could be annexed.
Greenland is currently an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. Although the US and Denmark signed the Greenland Defense Agreement in 1951 alongside NATO commitments, the US's desire to change the status quo of sovereignty over this island is causing a wave of great concern in Europe.
Mr. Macron's warning reflects the "strategic autonomy" thinking that he has pursued for a long time. Under pressure from US protectionist tariffs and the prolonged conflict in Ukraine, Europe is at a crossroads: Either unite to become an independent power pole, or be fragmented and dependent.
The US publicly targeting Greenland is seen as the "last straw", forcing EU leaders to seriously re-examine the nature of the transatlantic alliance.
