A threat by President Donald Trump to impose fresh tariffs on eight allies opposed to his proposed takeover of Greenland has drawn condemnation from European leaders.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the move was completely wrong while French President Emmanuel Macron called it unacceptable. Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson stated, We won't let ourselves be blackmailed. The comments came after Trump announced a 10% tariff on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland, effective February 1, and potentially rising to 25% pending negotiations.
Trump maintains that the autonomous Danish territory is crucial for US security and has not dismissed the possibility of using force. Protests erupted in Greenland and Denmark, emphasizing that Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the US; about 85% of locals reject this idea.
European countries have shown solidarity with Denmark, asserting that Arctic security should be a collective NATO responsibility. They have sent troops to Greenland for reconnaissance missions, agreeing that such territorial issues should be addressed diplomatically.
The proposed tariffs, according to Trump, would remain in place until a satisfactory deal for Greenland is achieved. This declaration signifies a notable escalation in Trump's attempts to acquire the territory despite opposition.
Leaders like Starmer and Macron have articulated that applying tariffs against NATO allies is counterproductive. In response, discussions among European nations are underway for a united reaction to this aggressive stance. Denmark’s foreign minister has expressed that Trump’s tariff threat was unexpected, calling for a focused dialogue to resolve the matter amicably.
The protests in Greenland and Denmark reflect a strong desire for self-determination among Greenlanders, signaling that negotiations involving the island must consider the wishes of its inhabitants.
