Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that "Europe won't be blackmailed" in response to tariff threats made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Greenland. The dispute arose after Trump suggested the U.S. might impose a 10% levy on goods from eight allied nations if they opposed his proposed acquisition of the autonomous Danish territory.
Frederiksen, along with other European leaders, issued a joint statement on Sunday, characterizing the tariffs as a potential threat to transatlantic relations and a risk of initiating a "dangerous downward spiral." The statement underscores the unified European stance against what they perceive as coercive trade tactics.
Trump's interest in Greenland stems from his assertion that the territory is critical for U.S. security. On Monday, he stated that NATO had been urging Denmark for two decades to address the "Russian threat" near Greenland, a task he claims Denmark has been unable to accomplish. He has previously indicated that the U.S. would acquire Greenland "the easy way" or "the hard way," and has not explicitly ruled out the use of force.
The idea of the U.S. purchasing Greenland is not new. The U.S. government considered buying the island in 1867 and again in 1946. Greenland's strategic location, particularly its proximity to Russia and the Arctic, makes it valuable for military and resource interests. The Arctic is also becoming increasingly accessible due to climate change, opening up new shipping routes and resource extraction opportunities.
The current status of the situation remains tense, with no immediate resolution in sight. Trump's administration has not yet formally announced the tariffs, but the threat remains a point of contention between the U.S. and its European allies. The next developments will likely depend on further negotiations and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation.
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