Paris/Berlin/IBNS, Jan. 7 -- European allies, including France and Germany, are quietly working on a coordinated response plan amid renewed concerns that the United States could act on President Donald Trump's stated ambition to take control of Greenland.

The discussions reflect growing unease in Europe over Washington's posture toward the strategically vital Arctic island, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark.

Officials say the objective is to ensure a unified European position should the United States move beyond rhetoric, a development that could severely strain transatlantic relations and send shockwaves through NATO.

France and Germany signal joint approach

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed that the issue ...