Oslo: European powers on Sunday warned that US President Donald Trump's tariff threats over Greenland risk a 'dangerous downward spiral' as they weighed a response to the growing crisis.
According to Ghana News Agency, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement expressing that Trump's trade threats, linked to his bid to take control of Greenland, could undermine trans-Atlantic relations. The eight countries, all NATO members, reiterated their solidarity with Denmark and Greenland, advocating for dialogue to resolve differences.
Trump announced on Saturday a plan to impose a 10% tariff on goods from these countries starting February 1, escalating to 25% by June 1 if a resolution is not reached, which he specified would involve the 'complete and total purchase' of Greenland. This announcement followed troop deployments to Greenland by these nations, part of a Danish-led reconnaissance mission to bolster security around the island. Trump expressed anger over the deployments, questioning their purpose in a post on Truth Social while announcing the tariffs.
The European allies emphasized their commitment to strengthening Arctic security as a shared trans-Atlantic interest, with the Arctic island being part of the Kingdom of Denmark and NATO. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen criticized Trump's approach, insisting Europe would not succumb to pressure and emphasizing the broad implications of the conflict. An emergency session of the EU's member states was convened to address the issue.
Diplomatic efforts are intensifying, with Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars L¸kke Rasmussen planning visits to Oslo, London, and Stockholm to discuss Arctic security and the Greenland dispute. In France, President Emmanuel Macron is preparing a robust European response, coordinating with counterparts and considering triggering the EU's Anti-Coercion Instrument to impose countermeasures against Trump's economic pressures.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul assured that the tariff dispute would not affect NATO's military cohesion, affirming the United States' commitment to the alliance. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte discussed the escalating dispute with Trump, focusing on Greenland's security situation, and plans to continue dialogue during the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, visiting South Korea, warned against escalating tensions, framing the dispute as a communication issue. Although Italy is not directly affected by the tariffs, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani sees Italy's potential role in mediating a resolution, emphasizing the need for dialogue over trade wars.
In Germany, Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil declared that Berlin would not be intimidated by threats, emphasizing coordinated European action in response to Trump's announcement.