Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom have responded to Donald Trump's tariff threats. The eight European countries that have sent troops to Greenland and that the President of the United States wants to intimidate with tariffs have issued a joint statement in which they point out, first, that they are "committed to strengthening security in the Arctic as a shared transatlantic interest".
"The Danish exercise Arctic Endurance, previously coordinated and carried out with the Allies, meets this need. It poses no threat to anyone. We express our full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland," they add.
Furthermore, they argue that "based on the process initiated last week," they are "willing to engage in a dialogue based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity." In line with what was already expressed yesterday by the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, they state that "tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk triggering a dangerous downward spiral." "We will remain united and coordinated in our response. We are committed to defending our sovereignty," they conclude.
The reaction of the eight countries adds to the already pointed out by the EU leaders; to that of the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, who also stated yesterday that "tariff threats are unacceptable"; and to that of the British premier, Keir Starmer, who stated that "imposing tariffs on allies for seeking NATO's collective security is completely wrong."
And this Sunday, the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, also described Trump's decision to impose tariffs of up to 25% on the eight countries that assisted Greenland as a "mistake." "And obviously, I do not agree with it," added the Italian official, who has a very close relationship with Trump.
In fact, Meloni confirmed that she has communicated with Trump to express her discontent, as well as with the NATO Secretary-General, Mark Rutte. "I will also speak with European leaders, but I believe it is very important to dialogue among ourselves and avoid an escalation," she said from Seoul, as reported by EFE.
The responses of European leaders have been, ultimately, strong. More so than usual, although at the same time not definitively giving up on negotiations. However, there is a sense that the line Trump has crossed this time may be too significant even for him. Because what he is trying to do is to acquire a territory and threaten countries that are simply trying to ensure the territorial integrity of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark.