US President Donald Trump on Saturday announced punitive additional import tariffs on European countries that have supported Denmark over its sovereignty in Greenland until a "deal" is agreed for America to acquire the Arctic territory.
On a day that saw street protests in Denmark and Greenland against America's ambitions, Mr Trump railed against nations that in the past week have sent members of their armed forces to Greenland as a symbol of solidarity with fellow Nato member Denmark.
He said on Truth Social that the territory was at risk from Chinese and Russian ambitions and that the success of the planned Golden Dome US defence shield would lie in Greenland's inclusion.
“On top of everything else, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland have journeyed to Greenland, for purposes unknown. This is a very dangerous situation for the safety, security, and survival of our planet.
“These countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable. Therefore, it is imperative that, in order to protect global peace and security, strong measures be taken so that this potentially perilous situation end quickly, and without question.”
He said that all of the above countries will be charged a 10 per cent tariff on goods exported to the US from February 1, rising to 25 per cent from June 1.
“This tariff will be due and payable until such time as a deal is reached for the complete and total purchase of Greenland. The United States has been trying to do this transaction for over 150 years. Many presidents have tried, and for good reason, but Denmark has always refused.''
European Council President Antonio Costa said that EU members would defend international law and that a response to Mr Trump was being co-ordinated. "What we can say is that the European Union will always be very firm in defending international law, wherever it may be, which of course begins within the territory of the member states of the European Union."
Britain sent just one soldier to Greenland last week as part of a planned military exercise. Reaction in the UK, even from one of Mr Trump's greatest allies in the country, Reform party leader Nigel Farage, was forthright.
Mr Farage said the tariffs were wrong and would “hurt” the UK, while Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said Mr Trump was “punishing” its ally.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said Mr Trump was “completely wrong” to impose tariffs over Greenland, adding they would be a “burden for businesses across our country”.
Marcel Fratzscher, head of Germany's DIW economic research institute, said that Mr Trump's threat was the result of Europe's weakness and inability to act. "Europe has steadily given in and let Trump have his way, instead of standing up for its own interests and promoting multilateralism globally," he said.
"This mistake is now coming back to haunt us," he said, adding that Mr Trump would "continue to blackmail Europe until Europe ... shows backbone, and acts more wisely".
