Jean-Noël Poirier has been appointed French consul general in Nuuk, Greenland's capital, by decree on February 3. This appointment signals France's intent to deepen its presence on the Danish autonomous territory, with the consulate set to open on February 6. It comes amid past discussions by Donald Trump about potentially annexing Greenland.
The decree appointing Jean-Noël Poirier as French consul general in Nuuk was published in the Official Journal on the Wednesday following Tuesday, February 3. This experienced diplomat, former French ambassador to Vietnam, had reinforced the French embassy in Tripoli, Libya, from February to September 2025, before leading the French delegation to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The consulate's opening is scheduled for Friday, February 6. According to Pascal Confavreux, spokesperson for the Quai d'Orsay, Poirier serves as the « precursor » for this installation. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot described the move as a « political signal » in a January interview on RTL. « It is first and foremost to mark our will to deepen our presence in all dimensions on this territory of the Kingdom of Denmark », he stated, acknowledging its political nature.
Although only six French nationals are registered in Greenland, the consulate will have expanded competencies. It will provide administrative support to French residents and assist the roughly thirty scientific researchers conducting annual expeditions. Barrot emphasized the desire to be more present, especially in scientific fields, where the history of ties between France and Greenland began.
Additionally, the consulate will guide French companies seeking investments in Greenland, particularly in mining exploration or hydroelectric projects. This initiative indirectly addresses former U.S. President Donald Trump's past remarks on potentially annexing the territory, which he ultimately abandoned by renouncing the use of force.
