By Micah Jonah
January 29, 2026
France has thrown its weight behind reinforcing its defence posture in the Arctic, President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday, amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region.
Speaking ahead of a trilateral meeting with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Macron emphasized the strategic importance of the Arctic, citing Russia’s military stance and China’s growing economic influence.
“Given Russia’s stance in the Far North, China’s economic presence, and the strategic consequences of this rapprochement, we agree on the need to strengthen our defence posture in the Arctic,” Macron said.
The French leader’s comments come as European nations increasingly assess security in the Arctic, a region rich in resources and key to global shipping routes. Analysts say the move reflects France’s intention to remain a major player in Arctic security alongside Denmark and Greenland.
