This week, Paris played host to the first State visit by a Danish sovereign to France since 1978. King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark were received in a high point of diplomacy, symbols and shared convictions. From their official arrival at Les Invalides, and then during the State dinner at the Élysée Palace, the exchanges between the royal couple and the French authorities illustrated the strength and depth of the ties between France and Denmark.
We believe, and Denmark and France are united on this path, in an agenda of sovereignty, strategic autonomy and independence,’ said French President Emmanuel Macron. These words resonate strongly in the current international context.
I was honoured to be associated with this visit and to be able to take part in it. It marked a new stage in our shared commitment to a stronger, more sovereign and more united Europe. During my recent visits to Denmark, I exchanged views on the strategic issue of Greenland with Louise S. Elholm MP and Mikkel Runner researcher. Elholm and researcher Mikkel Runge Olesen of the Dansk Institut for Internationale Studier. Such dialogue is essential if we are to build a shared vision of contemporary geopolitical issues.
Beyond the symbols, the royal visit had a profound political meaning. It was an opportunity to reaffirm our support for Denmark, particularly in the face of repeated threats over Greenland. It was in this spirit that, with my colleague Damien Girard, we tabled a cross-party motion for a resolution, co-signed by 120 MPs, to affirm our solidarity with Denmark and Greenland, and encourage closer cooperation between our institutions
King Frederik X and Queen Mary also visited the National Assembly, where they signed the visitors' book and exchanged views with several members of parliament.
This visit did not stop at the elegance of its images. It sets out a path: that of a Franco-Danish partnership in the service of a Europe that is strategic, sovereign and united.
