The European Union is considering imposing tariffs that could reach €93 billion (R$580 billion) on the USA or restricting the entry of American companies into the bloc’s market. The measure is a response to US President Donald Trump’s intention to annex or buy Greenland, according to the newspaper. Financial Times this Sunday (18).
NATO allies oppose the campaign to take control of the semi-autonomous island territory that is part of Denmark. The retaliatory measures are designed to give European leaders bargaining power in meetings considered crucial with Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this week, cited the FT report, which heard from officials involved in the preparations for the meetings.
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European countries also decided to strengthen security in the Arctic to support Greenland. Denmark, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Netherlands released a joint statement this Sunday (18). The group reaffirmed its commitment to the defense of Greenland.
“As a member of NATO, we are committed to strengthening Arctic security as a common transatlantic interest,” the statement said.
The Greenland government publicly thanked the European support. Local authorities highlighted the importance of “international solidarity” in the face of rising tensions.
Trump claims that Greenland is vital to the security of the United States. He cites the island’s strategic position and its mineral deposits. The president did not rule out the use of force to obtain it, which raised alert in Europe regarding the possibility of a direct confrontation between NATO countries.
France, Germany and the United Kingdom have already sent small military contingents to Greenland last week. The mobilization took place at the request of Denmark. The move led Trump to threaten trade tariffs against eight European allies if Washington does not receive authorization to buy the island.
European Union called meeting
The European Union called an emergency meeting for this Sunday, in order to define a response to pressure from Trump, who wants to buy Greenland. The meeting brings together ambassadors from the bloc’s 27 countries.
On Saturday (17), European leaders warned of a “dangerous downward spiral” caused by tariff threats from the United States. They reaffirmed support for Greenland and Denmark’s sovereignty.
Thousands of demonstrators demonstrated on Saturday in Denmark and Greenland. The acts called on Trump to respect the island’s right to decide its own future.
