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Tensions have risen between the United States and Europe after President Donald Trump announced tariffs on eight European countries over the Greenland issue. The move drew sharp criticism from allies, with former US officials calling it irrational and harmful to security cooperation.
Trump’s Greenland Push Sparks Trans-Atlantic Trade Tensions
Washington: US President Donald Trump is adopting an aggressive stance regarding Greenland. Trump appeared angered by Denmark's declaration of maintaining sovereignty over Greenland at all costs and the support of European countries. In response, he announced an additional 10 percent tariff on eight major European countries. Trump stated that if an agreement is not reached on Greenland, the tariff will be increased to 25 percent from 1 June.
John Bolton, former National Security Advisor in the Trump administration, strongly criticized this move. Bolton said that Greenland is vital to Western security, but rhetoric like imposing tariffs on allies undermines security and stability in the Arctic region. He called it strategically "absurd" and said it would erode trust between allies.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said that China and Russia would benefit from the divisions among allies. She warned that weakening Western solidarity would strengthen forces challenging the global order. Kaja Kallas also stated that discussions on security concerns related to Greenland should take place within the framework of NATO and that tariffs would harm the shared prosperity of both Europe and the United States.
French President Emmanuel Macron called Trump's threats unacceptable. He stated that France is committed to protecting sovereignty and independence and will not accept pressure on any issue whether Ukraine or Greenland. Macron warned that European countries would respond unitedly if tariffs are imposed.
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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that Greenland's future is a matter for Denmark and its people. He added that Arctic security is important to all NATO allies and that imposing tariffs on countries engaged in collective security is wrong.
Trump claimed in a social media post that the US has been "subsidizing" Europe for years and that tough measures are now necessary. He called for tough decisions for global peace and security. However, experts believe this conflict could create new fissures in trans-Atlantic relations and that a solution will only be possible through dialogue.
