Greenland has hailed European nations on Sunday for maintaining their support for the Arctic island despite being targeted by punitive tariffs from U.S. President, Donald Trump who seeks to annex the Danish-ruled territory.
France, Germany, Britain and other European countries this week sent small groups of military personnel to Greenland at Denmark’s request, prompting Trump to threaten trade tariffs on eight European allies until the U.S. is allowed to buy the island.
European leaders on Saturday warned of a dangerous downward spiral over Trump’s tariff threat, vowing to uphold their backing for Greenland and Denmark’s sovereignty.
Ambassadors from the European Union’s 27 countries will convene on Sunday to discuss their response to the tariff threat.
READ ALSO:Trump Threatens Tariffs on Countries Resisting U.S. Control of Greenland
“We live in extraordinary times that calls not only on decency but also great courage,” Greenland cabinet minister Naaja Nathanielsen, responsible for the island’s business, energy and minerals, said in a statement.
Trump says Greenland is vital to U.S. security because of its strategic location and mineral deposits, and has not ruled out using force to take it, raising alarm in Europe at the prospect of direct confrontation between NATO states.
Greenland’s own companies were unlikely to see a significant impact from the U.S. tariffs, said Christian Keldsen, the head of the Greenland Business Association.
“The goal therefore does not seem to be Greenland, but to put pressure on our allied European NATO countries,” Keldsen wrote on LinkedIn, thanking governments for standing firm.
REUTERS