The EU will avoid escalating the showdown with the US over Greenland, but is also prepared to respond if Trump introduces tariffs against European countries as a result of the situation surrounding Greenland. This is according to EU Commission spokesman Olof Gill.
- The goal is to engage in dialogue rather than escalate the situation. We must avoid introducing tariffs, because it will ultimately affect both consumers and companies on both sides of the Atlantic, says Olof Gill.
The announcement comes after US President Donald Trump warned of additional tariffs on several European countries over the weekend if Greenland is not handed over to the US.
Trump specifically named the EU countries Denmark, Finland, France, the Netherlands, Sweden and Germany. Great Britain and Norway, which are not members of the EU, were also mentioned as targets for increased tariffs.
The situation is thus rapidly evolving from a showdown between the United States and the Kingdom of Denmark over Greenland to a showdown between the United States and Europe over fundamental principles of the international legal order.
EU ready with response
By designating the three most populous European countries, Germany, France and Great Britain, Trump has ensured that Denmark will not be left alone. On Thursday, the leaders of the EU countries will meet for an extraordinary EU summit in Brussels. Possible responses to Trump will be on the table here.
- Should the announced tariffs be introduced, the EU has tools that can be used. And we will come up with a response. Because we will do everything we can to defend European economic interests, says Olof Gill.
The EU is therefore expected to initially take a wait-and-see approach and see whether Trump takes the threats seriously, while at the same time a diplomatic offensive will be launched to de-escalate the situation. Denmark is already working in Washington D.C. with the working group that will try to find solutions to Trump's concerns about security in Greenland.
Now the major European countries Germany, France and the UK are also expected to mobilize their diplomats to increase pressure on the Trump administration and American companies. The goal is to make them understand that a costly showdown awaits if Trump takes the threats seriously.
However, time is running out. Trump has threatened to introduce the additional tariffs on February 1. This means there are less than two weeks to find a solution.
- EU leaders are consulting intensively with each other. At the same time, contacts with the US administration are now taking place at all levels.
- Our priority is dialogue rather than escalation. Sometimes the most responsible form of leadership is to show restraint. Responsible leadership is what Ursula von der Leyen and the entire EU stand for, says Olof Gill.
/ritzau/
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