INTERNATIONAL
Europe won't be 'blackmailed' by Trump tariffs, says Danish PM
Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, takes part in a coronavirus press conference, in Copenhagen, Denmark, Wednesday Jan. 26, 2022. (Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)
KUALA LUMPUR: Europe would not be blackmailed by United States President Donald Trump’s tariff threats over Greenland, said Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
AI Brief
Frederiksen and other European leaders warned that such measures could undermine transatlantic relations and trigger a dangerous downward spiral.
In their joint statement, the leaders of the eight countries reaffirmed their full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland.
They also reiterated their commitment, as Nato allies, to strengthening Arctic security as a shared transatlantic priority.
"We stand ready to engage in a dialogue based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that we stand firmly behind," it added.
Previously, Trump said he would impose a new 10% levy on goods from eight allied nations if they opposed his proposed takeover of Greenland, the autonomous Danish territory.
He said the tariffs would apply to imports from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK.
The initial 10% tariff would take effect on 1 February on all goods entering the U.S., with the rate potentially rising to 25% in June.
Trump argued that Greenland is vital to U.S. security and has previously said Washington would obtain the territory “the easy way” or “the hard way”.
AI Brief
- Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen rejects President Trump's tariff threats over Greenland, stating Europe won't be blackmailed, warning of damage to transatlantic relations and potential escalation.
- Eight European leaders express solidarity with Denmark and Greenland, emphasizing commitment to Arctic security as a shared priority among Nato allies, willing to engage in dialogue on sovereignty principles.
- Trump plans 10% tariff on goods from Denmark and seven other allied nations in retaliation for opposition to his Greenland acquisition bid, with tariffs potentially escalating to 25% by June, citing U.S. security interests in Greenland.
Frederiksen and other European leaders warned that such measures could undermine transatlantic relations and trigger a dangerous downward spiral.
In their joint statement, the leaders of the eight countries reaffirmed their full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland.
They also reiterated their commitment, as Nato allies, to strengthening Arctic security as a shared transatlantic priority.
"We stand ready to engage in a dialogue based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that we stand firmly behind," it added.
Previously, Trump said he would impose a new 10% levy on goods from eight allied nations if they opposed his proposed takeover of Greenland, the autonomous Danish territory.
He said the tariffs would apply to imports from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK.
The initial 10% tariff would take effect on 1 February on all goods entering the U.S., with the rate potentially rising to 25% in June.
Trump argued that Greenland is vital to U.S. security and has previously said Washington would obtain the territory “the easy way” or “the hard way”.