Nuuk, February 6, 2026 — The Europe Today: Canada and France are set to open new diplomatic missions in Greenland, marking a significant expansion of foreign engagement in the Arctic territory at a time of heightened geopolitical attention.
Canada will establish its first-ever diplomatic outpost in Greenland following recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting that the United States should take control of the territory, according to media reports.
A high-level Canadian delegation, including Governor General Mary Simon and Foreign Minister Anita Anand, is traveling to Nuuk on Friday to formally inaugurate the consulate. The visit is being accompanied by a Canadian Coast Guard vessel. Ahead of the trip, Simon said Canada “stands firmly in support of the people of Greenland who will determine their own future,” reaffirming Ottawa’s position on Greenland’s right to self-determination.
The Canadian visit coincides with a similar trip by French officials, who are also expected to open a French consulate in Greenland on the same day.
The opening of the Canadian and French missions represents a historic expansion of diplomatic presence in Greenland. Until now, only Iceland and the United States maintained formal consulates in Nuuk.
The move is widely viewed as a signal of continued support from NATO allies for Greenland, particularly in light of Trump’s earlier statements that the United States needed to “own” the territory for national security reasons. The former U.S. president has since softened his stance, saying he is exploring a potential agreement following discussions with Denmark, European allies, and Canada.
Greenland has been part of Canada’s strategic calculations for several years. Ottawa first announced plans to open a consulate in early 2024 as part of a broader review of its Arctic foreign policy. Although initially scheduled for late 2025, the opening was delayed due to adverse weather conditions.
