In brief
In the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to impose tariffs on goods from several countries, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized that Europe will not be 'blackmailed.' Trump claims Greenland is critical for U.S. security, a stance met with strong opposition from European leaders who express solidarity with Denmark and Greenland. Demonstrations against Trump's plans have taken place in both territories and the public sentiment in the U.S. appears largely resistant to the idea of American control over Greenland.
Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has said Europe won't be blackmailed by Donald Trump's tariff threats over Greenland.
The US president has stated he will levy a new 10% tariff on goods from eight allied nations if they oppose his proposed takeover of the autonomous Danish territory.
Frederiksen and other European leaders issued a joint statement on Sunday, noting that the tariffs risk undermining transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral.
On Monday, Trump claimed that NATO has been telling Denmark for years to address the supposed threat posed by Russia in Greenland, asserting it was time for action.
Trump's threatened tariffs would target Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK, with an initial duty of 10% set to be implemented on February 1, potentially increasing to 25% by June.
Leaders from the affected nations responded by reaffirming their support for Denmark and Greenland, emphasizing that they stand ready to engage in discussions based on sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Frederiksen reiterated on Facebook, We want to cooperate and we are not the ones seeking conflict. And I am happy for the consistent messages from the rest of the continent: Europe will not be blackmailed. She stressed the importance of adhering to the fundamental values that underpin the European community.
Separate protests against Trump's takeover intentions were held in Greenland's capital, Nuuk, and across Danish cities, reflecting widespread public anger and a strong opposition to U.S. control over Greenland, as indicated by a recent poll showing only 17% of Americans supporting such a move.
