Brussels [Belgium], January 19 (ANI): European leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to uphold the sovereignty of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark, citing Europe’s strategic economic and security interests, amid US President Donald Trump’s stated interest in taking over the Arctic island.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a post on X that she had spoken with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to discuss the recent tensions.
“Together we stand firm in our commitment to uphold the sovereignty of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark. We will always protect our strategic economic and security interests. We will face these challenges to our European solidarity with steadiness and resolve,” von der Leyen said.
Following the statement, Trump reiterated his position, saying NATO had been telling Denmark for 20 years that it needed to address what he described as the Russian threat in Greenland. He claimed Denmark had been unable to do so and added, “Now it is time, and it will be done.”
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said he spoke with Trump on Sunday, local time, about the security situation in Greenland and the Arctic, amid Washington’s threat to impose a 10 percent tariff on Denmark and other European Union countries.
Rutte said he would meet Trump later this week in Davos. In a post on X, he said discussions on the issue would continue, though he did not provide further details of the conversation.
Several European countries have issued a joint statement expressing solidarity with Denmark and Greenland. Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom said the “Arctic Endurance” exercise does not pose a threat to anyone and warned that the threat of tariffs undermines transatlantic relations and risks a dangerous downward spiral.
On Saturday, Trump threatened to impose tariffs on the United Kingdom and other European countries unless they agree to sell Greenland. He said the move was necessary for national security, citing China’s and Russia’s interest in the territory.
Trump offered to negotiate with the European nations but warned of escalating tariffs of 10 percent from February 1, 2026, and 25 percent from June 1, 2026, if a deal is not reached, saying it was “time for Denmark to give back” after years of US support.
Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland are among the countries named by Trump that are now facing the prospect of US tariff measures. (ANI)
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