SOURCE: BBC
Greenland’s prime minister says “we will not let ourselves be pressured”, as Donald Trump says he will impose tariffs on countries that oppose his plan to take over the island
Jens-Frederik Nielsen says Greenland has the right to makes its own decisions: “The latest statements from the US, including threats of tariffs, do not change that line”
Earlier, Keir Starmer said Trump’s plan to impose tariffs on the UK, and other countries, is “completely wrong”
While calling it a “very serious situation”, the UK PM also seemed to downplay retaliatory tariffs – saying a trade war is in nobody’s interest
Trump wants the “complete and total purchase” of the Danish territory, saying it’s essential for US and global security – with the White House saying it could even be taken militarily
Meanwhile, a message from Trump to the Norwegian prime minister has emerged, in which he reportedly says not being given the Nobel Peace Prize means he no longer has “an obligation to think purely of peace, although it will always be predominant” (right) attend a Eurogroup meeting in Brussels on Monday
French and German finance ministers say they’re prepared to take strong action if President Trump goes ahead with his threatened tariffs over Greenland, Reuters reports.
Speaking ahead of a Eurogroup meeting in Brussels, German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said Europe must react “with confidence” if the threat materialises.
French Finance Minister Roland Lescure echoed that sentiment, saying the European Union must be ready to “react strongly”.
The day so far has been dominated by reaction to Donald Trump’s threat over the weekend to impose further tariffs on a swathe of European countries that are opposing his plan to take over Greenland.
Here’s what’s been happening:
Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said he received a text message from Donald Trump on Sunday, saying he no longer feels “an obligation to think purely of Peace” after Norway “decided not to give him” the Nobel Peace Prize
The Norwegian leader said he has explained to Trump the prize is awarded by an independent Nobel Committee, not the Norwegian government
In response to Trump’s latest threat on Greenland, urgent meetings are being called across Europe – Denmark and Greenland’s ministers are talking to the Nato secretary general, while French President Emmanuel Macron is holding a defence council meeting at the Élysée
In the UK, there’s been a range of reaction from politicians to Keir Starmer’s Greenland speech earlier, where he said Trump’s plan to impose tariffs is “completely wrong”, but played down the idea of retaliatory tariffs
And renewed talk of tariffs has sent stock markets falling across Europe
Indeed, under a 1951 agreement between the US and Denmark, it is mandated that Stars and Stripes are present in military bases.
The “Defence of Greenland Agreement” gives Washington extensive access to the island, including the right to build bases and facilities, deploy more forces and generally operate as they see fit.
There are very few restrictions on what the US military can do, so long as they do not impinge on the national interest of Denmark or the local population.
US personnel are even exempt from local taxation, as is all imported equipment.
In short, the argument that the US would not be able to build bases or deploy forces necessary for the defence of Greenland, or the rest of the continent, is not backed up by the document signed by both governments.
The 1951 treaty concludes by saying that the agreement shall remain in force for as long as the Nato alliance survives.
It is this final point which is looking the least certain.
