The UK, Denmark, Finland, France, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden have issued a joint statement decrying Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on eight European countries over Greenland.
They said that Trump’s threat risks a “dangerous downward spiral” and “undermines transatlantic relations.”
The countries asserted their full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. “Building on the process begun last week, we stand ready to engage in a dialogue based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that we stand firmly behind,” the statement added.
In an extraordinary escalation of Trump’s bid to claim the autonomous Danish territory, he threatened a 25% tariff on a slew of European countries including Denmark, Germany, France and the UK until the US is allowed to purchase Greenland.
In a lengthy Truth Social post on Saturday, January 17, 2025, Trump said that he would impose a 10% tariff on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland beginning February 1, “on any and all goods sent to the United States of America.”
He said that the tariff will increase to 25% on June 1, 2025. “This Tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland,” Trump said.
In the post, Trump said that forces from the eight European nations “have journeyed to Greenland, for purposes unknown.”
It was an apparent reference to NATO allies deploying troops in Greenland on Thursday in response to Trump’s threats to forcefully take the Arctic island, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark.
Separately, Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo reacted to Trump’s comments, posting on his social media that tariffs “do not serve anyone” and would harm both Europe and the US.
“Finland’s view is that any questions among allies should be resolved through discussions, not through pressure. The US has raised concerns about Arctic security, which is a key issue for Finland.
“We seek to safeguard Arctic security together with all our allies while respecting the territorial integrity of Denmark and Greenland. Tariffs would harm both Europe and the US…We are working closely with our European partners and allies.”
Petteri Orpo
Elsewhere Finnish President Alexander Stubb wrote on social media that tariffs would undermine the transatlantic relationship and risk a dangerous downward spiral. He added, “Among allies, issues are best resolved through discussion, not through pressure.”
Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee slammed a threat of US tariffs on a number of EU member states, the UK and Norway as “completely unacceptable and deeply regrettable.”
“Ireland has been crystal clear that the future of Greenland is a matter to be determined by Denmark and by the Greenlandic people, in line with well-established democratic principles and international law.”
Helen McEntee
McEntee asserted that peace and security depend on all UN member states abiding by the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, adding that there can be no lasting peace and security in a world where these principles are ignored and undermined.
“This is a position that will not change. Respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states is non-negotiable. It is a fundamental principle of the United Nations Charter and of international law. It is what keeps all countries – large or small, militarily aligned or neutral – safe and secure.”
Helen McEntee
US Senator Warns Of Trump’s Threatened Tariffs Effect On Americans
Meanwhile, US Senator Mark Kelly, a former US Navy pilot and Democrat who represents Arizona, posted that Trump’s threatened tariffs on US allies would make Americans “pay more to try to get territory we don’t need.”
He noted on social media that troops from European countries are arriving in Greenland to defend the territory from us. “Let that sink in,” he wrote on social media.
He asserted that the damage “this President is doing to our reputation and our relationships is growing, making us less safe.”
If something doesn’t change, he said, “we will be on our own with adversaries and enemies in every direction.”
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