The announcement made by President Donald Trump on new trade tariffs has elicited a very strong reaction from the United Kingdom as well as from a number of countries in the European Union. He mentioned that the US would impose an extra 10 per cent tax on those nations which do not side with the US on the matter of Greenland.
Tariff Announcement Triggers Strong Response
- The chief minister of the UK, Keir Starmer, referred to the proposed tariffs as a very serious error. The president of France, Emmanuel Macron, maintained that Europe would not be the subject of either threats or pressure. Taking a common stance, both the UK and Germany expressed their disapproval towards edges on the issue of tariffs in trade with allied nations.
- The president of the US has on many occasions gone on to make it known that the island of Greenland is a matter of great importance when it comes to US security. He has also made his desire to purchase the territory known. At present, Greenland is ruled by Denmark and in reaction to these claims, the European countries have clearly sided with Denmark and have been vocal about the fact that the security of Greenland is a matter of NATO’s concern.
Military Deployments and Trade Warning
The rift gave rise to military movements in Greenland and President Trump had the audacity to retaliate with a 10 percent additional tariff on Denmark and the seven nations involved, cornered by the dispute. He announced that the tariffs would start on February 1. In addition, he cautioned that the percentage would increase to 25 post-June if the mentioned nations continued with their stance.
European Leaders Reject Pressure
- Keir Starmer spoke out saying that it was unethical to use tariffs as a means of coercion against NATO countries for taking measures they deem necessary for the protection of Greenland. He went further to say that the issue would be directly confronted with the US administration and also confirmed that Greenland is still part of Denmark.
- Emmanuel Macron stated that tariff threats are unacceptable and said Europe would respond firmly. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that disputes between allies would only benefit Russia and China.
- Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that Sweden would not accept blackmail. European Council President Antonio Costa reaffirmed that the EU would uphold international law. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said the US statement was unexpected.
- Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said that warnings between allies are not appropriate. Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated that disagreements among allies should be resolved through dialogue, not confrontation.
Tags Cloud
