PARIS (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has drawn attention with remarks suggesting potential changes to international borders, including expanding U.S. influence into Canada, Greenland, and as far south as the Panama Canal.
The comments have raised questions about the future direction of U.S. foreign policy and prompted concern among global leaders, particularly in Europe.
European diplomats and political leaders have expressed apprehension over the implications of such statements, viewing them as potentially signaling a more assertive U.S. foreign policy.
The notion of altering borders has revived historical concerns in a region sensitive to territorial disputes, where stability and respect for sovereignty remain paramount.
Denmark, which administers Greenland as a semi-autonomous territory, has refrained from issuing official responses but has shown signs of unease over the strategic implications of Trump’s remarks.
Canada has been more direct, dismissing the idea of border changes as unrealistic and emphasizing the strength of current U.S.-Canada relations.
Canadian officials reiterated the importance of maintaining existing diplomatic and economic ties, signaling resistance to any proposals that might disrupt the status quo.
The European Union, which prioritizes multilateralism and respect for established international borders, has also raised concerns.
European leaders fear that such rhetoric could destabilize global norms and spark tensions, urging a commitment to cooperative diplomacy.