Nice: French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday firmly dismissed any ideas of selling or acquiring global commons, emphasizing that regions such as Greenland, Antarctica, and the high seas are "not for sale." He made these comments at the UN Ocean Conference in the southern French city of Nice, seemingly in response to US President Donald Trump's expressed interest in purchasing Greenland.
According to Anadolu Agency, Macron's statements precede his upcoming visit to Greenland, which is seen as a symbolic act of support for the autonomous Danish territory. Since taking office again in January, President Trump has shown a recurring interest in acquiring Greenland, despite Denmark's clear refusals.
Greenland, which has been part of Denmark since the 18th century, was granted home rule in 1979. It is strategically positioned between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans and is rich in minerals. Both Denmark and Greenland have consistently rejected any proposals regarding the sale of the territory. A survey conducted in January revealed that 85% of Greenlanders are against joining the US.
In March, Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen called on European nations to support the territory, asserting that "Greenland is not and will never be for sale." He emphasized that "Greenland is run by the Greenlandic people, and that will never change."