European leaders have condemned a threat by President Donald Trump to impose new tariffs on eight allied nations opposed to his proposed acquisition of Greenland. The tariffs, announced by Trump, would place a 10% levy on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland, scheduled to take effect on February 1. The tariffs could potentially rise to 25% and would remain in place until an agreement is reached, according to Trump.
The President maintains that the autonomous Danish territory of Greenland is vital for U.S. security, and he has not dismissed the possibility of acquiring it by force.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the tariff threat as "completely wrong," while French President Emmanuel Macron deemed it "unacceptable." Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson stated, "We won't let ourselves be blackmailed."
The proposed tariffs and potential acquisition of Greenland have sparked protests. Thousands of people demonstrated in Greenland and Denmark on Saturday to voice their opposition to the U.S. proposal.
Greenland, while sparsely populated, is rich in resources and strategically located between North America and the Arctic. The territory's geographical position has made it a point of interest for the United States.
The White House has not yet issued a formal response to the European leaders' criticisms. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further negotiations or escalation. The proposed tariffs represent a significant point of contention between the U.S. and its European allies, raising concerns about trade relations and diplomatic cooperation.
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