Fact Check: Emmanuel Macron stated that both France and the European Union believe that Greenland should neither be sold nor taken during the press conference on June 15, 2023.

Fact Check: "Emmanuel Macron stated that both France and the European Union believe that Greenland should neither be sold nor taken during the press conference on June 15, 2023."

What We Know

On June 15, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron visited Greenland and made a significant statement regarding the territory's sovereignty. During a press conference, he explicitly stated that "everybody in France, the European Union thinks that Greenland is not to be sold, not to be taken" (AP News). This statement was made in the context of previous remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, leading to concerns about the island's territorial integrity (Washington Post).

Macron's visit was characterized as a demonstration of European solidarity with Greenland, emphasizing the importance of respecting its sovereignty (Euronews). He was accompanied by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, further underscoring the collaborative stance of European nations regarding Greenland's status (Boston Globe).

Analysis

The claim that Macron stated both France and the European Union believe Greenland should neither be sold nor taken is supported by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press, Washington Post, and Euronews all reported on Macron's remarks, confirming that he articulated a clear stance against the sale or annexation of Greenland (AP News, Washington Post, Euronews).

The reliability of these sources is high, as they are well-established news organizations known for their journalistic standards. The statements were made in an official capacity during a press conference, which adds to their credibility. Furthermore, Macron's comments were made in direct response to the geopolitical context involving the U.S. and Trump's previous statements about Greenland, which had raised concerns among European leaders (Euractiv, Xinhua).

While there may be some variation in the wording of Macron's statements across different reports, the core message remains consistent: both France and the EU support Greenland's sovereignty and oppose any attempts to sell or take the territory. This consensus reflects a broader commitment to international law and respect for territorial integrity, which is critical in the current geopolitical climate (France 24).

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Emmanuel Macron stated both France and the European Union believe that Greenland should neither be sold nor taken is accurate. Multiple reliable sources confirm that Macron made this statement during his visit to Greenland on June 15, 2025, in a context that emphasizes European solidarity and respect for Greenland's sovereignty.

Sources

1. Macron visits Greenland to show European support for the ...
2. Macron visits Greenland in show of support for territory ...
3. Macron reaffirms support for Greenland during visit ahead ...
4. Macron visits Greenland to show European support ...
5. Macron condemns Trumps threats on visit to Greenland
6. Macron reaffirms EU support for Denmark's sovereignty ...
7. 'Message of solidarity and friendship': Emmanuel Macron ...
8. Macron arrives in Greenland to show solidarity for island ...