(Washington, 18th) – After US President Trump announced tariff hikes on European countries supporting Greenland, various European nations have strongly condemned the move.
According to Xinhua News Agency, French President Macron posted on social media Saturday (January 17), accusing the tariff threat as "unacceptable" and stating that Europe will respond unitedly. "No intimidation or threats can shake us; tariff threats are unacceptable and untimely. Europe will respond with unity and coordination to jointly defend European sovereignty."
Macron said France is committed to protecting the sovereignty and independence of all countries, and in this spirit, supports Denmark in upholding its sovereignty, thus deciding to participate in the military exercise organized by Denmark in Greenland. The Greenland issue concerns Arctic security and the security of Europe's frontier.
UK Prime Minister Starmer also issued a statement, saying Trump's tariff hikes on allies are "completely wrong."
He stated that the UK's stance is very clear: "It (Greenland) is a part of Denmark, and its future should be decided by the people of Greenland and Denmark."
Starmer also pointed out, "Imposing tariffs on allies striving for NATO collective security is completely wrong," and the UK will directly negotiate with the US government on this matter.
Danish Foreign Minister Rasmussen said he was surprised by the tariff threat and noted that Denmark is maintaining close contact with the European Commission.
Finnish President Jäästöb also said that issues between allies are best resolved through dialogue, not by exerting pressure. He warned that tariffs could damage transatlantic relations and trigger a dangerous negative cycle.
The German government said it is closely coordinating with European partners and will decide on appropriate response measures jointly when the time comes.
Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson said this concerns the entire EU and will affect more countries. Sweden is engaged in intensive consultations with other EU nations as well as Norway and the UK, seeking joint response measures. "We will never allow ourselves to be blackmailed."
He said only Denmark and Greenland can decide matters concerning themselves, "I will always defend my country as well as allies and neighbors."
Norwegian Prime Minister Støre also stated such threats are "unacceptable" and have no place among allies.
Støre reiterated that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and Norway supports Denmark in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as continued dialogue between the US and Denmark.
Dutch Green Party–Labour Party Alliance leader Klaver said Trump’s provocation and blackmail once again prove that Europe must draw a clear line with the US, and blindly yielding and flattering does not work. Europe needs to respond unitedly and forcefully, and to do so quickly.
On Saturday, Trump announced a 10% tariff increase on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, UK, Netherlands, and Finland to the US starting February 1, to be raised to 25% on June 1, until these countries reach an agreement with the US on "purchasing Greenland."
Recently, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, UK, Netherlands, and Finland, among other European countries, announced troop deployments to Greenland to participate in the Arctic Endurance military exercise launched by Denmark on the island.
Macron said France is committed to protecting the sovereignty and independence of all countries, and in this spirit, supports Denmark in upholding its sovereignty, thus deciding to participate in the military exercise organized by Denmark in Greenland. The Greenland issue concerns Arctic security and the security of Europe's frontier.
UK Prime Minister Starmer also issued a statement, saying Trump's tariff hikes on allies are "completely wrong."
He stated that the UK's stance is very clear: "It (Greenland) is a part of Denmark, and its future should be decided by the people of Greenland and Denmark."
Starmer also pointed out, "Imposing tariffs on allies striving for NATO collective security is completely wrong," and the UK will directly negotiate with the US government on this matter.
Danish Foreign Minister Rasmussen said he was surprised by the tariff threat and noted that Denmark is maintaining close contact with the European Commission.
Finnish President Jäästöb also said that issues between allies are best resolved through dialogue, not by exerting pressure. He warned that tariffs could damage transatlantic relations and trigger a dangerous negative cycle.
The German government said it is closely coordinating with European partners and will decide on appropriate response measures jointly when the time comes.
Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson said this concerns the entire EU and will affect more countries. Sweden is engaged in intensive consultations with other EU nations as well as Norway and the UK, seeking joint response measures. "We will never allow ourselves to be blackmailed."
He said only Denmark and Greenland can decide matters concerning themselves, "I will always defend my country as well as allies and neighbors."
Norwegian Prime Minister Støre also stated such threats are "unacceptable" and have no place among allies.
Støre reiterated that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and Norway supports Denmark in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as continued dialogue between the US and Denmark.
Dutch Green Party–Labour Party Alliance leader Klaver said Trump’s provocation and blackmail once again prove that Europe must draw a clear line with the US, and blindly yielding and flattering does not work. Europe needs to respond unitedly and forcefully, and to do so quickly.
On Saturday, Trump announced a 10% tariff increase on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, UK, Netherlands, and Finland to the US starting February 1, to be raised to 25% on June 1, until these countries reach an agreement with the US on "purchasing Greenland."
Recently, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, UK, Netherlands, and Finland, among other European countries, announced troop deployments to Greenland to participate in the Arctic Endurance military exercise launched by Denmark on the island.