Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen says Europe won't be blackmailed, as she and other European leaders continue to weigh their response to US President Donald Trump's tariff threats over Greenland.
Trump has announced plans to impose new taxes on several US allies, including Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK if they oppose his acquisition of Greenland. He insists that Greenland is crucial for US security, even suggesting the possibility of forceful measures.
In a collective response, affected countries issued a joint statement expressing their concern that Trump's tariff threats could lead to a dangerous downward spiral in transatlantic relations, reiterating their full solidarity with Denmark and Greenland.
During an emergency meeting in Brussels, European leaders emphasized their commitment to enhancing Arctic security and underscored their dedication to dialogue based on principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Frederiksen, addressing the situation on social media, stated, We want to cooperate and we are not the ones seeking conflict, further asserting Europe's collective stand against any coercive measures.
Public sentiment against Trump's threats remains strong, with protests emerging in both Denmark and Greenland. Demonstrators emphasized their desire for autonomy, while recent polls suggest substantial opposition in both the U.S. and Greenland regarding any potential acquisition of the territory by the US.
As the international community shifts its focus toward cooperation, upcoming engagements at the Davos summit, involving Trump and various European leaders, may further shape the discourse surrounding Greenland's status.
