Europe Hails Trump's Greenland Tariff Suspension
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen struck an optimistic tone on X, the US social media platform, declaring progress after a turbulent 24 hours. "The day is ending on a better note than it began. We welcome that POTUS (Trump) has ruled out to take Greenland by force and paused the trade war. Now, let's sit down and find out how we can address the American security concerns in the Arctic while respecting the red lines of the KoD (Kingdom of Denmark)," he wrote.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof characterized the development as "positive" and emphasized that they are "on the path to de-escalation," celebrating that tariffs have been removed from negotiations while stressing collaboration among the US, Canada, and Europe within NATO "to strengthen security in the Arctic region and counter threats from Russia and China."
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard credited united allied resistance for the reversal. "Good that Trump has now also backed away from tariffs against us who have supported Denmark and Greenland. The demands for relocated borders have received well-deserved harsh criticism. That is also why we have repeatedly stated that we will not let ourselves be blackmailed. It seems that our work together with allies has had an effect," she posted on X.
Sweden's Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson praised the coordinated European response while warning against complacency. "The government has consistently stressed that the blackmail surrounding Greenland has been absurd. But it also underscores what I have said several times: we are living in a new, uncertain world, but we also have our destiny in our own hands. I will continue my work to 'Trump-proof' our economy," Svantesson stated.
"We cannot afford to rest on our laurels," she added.
German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil told broadcaster ZDF that domestic American opposition combined with international pressure forced the policy reversal. "There was growing criticism in the United States, and there was growing criticism from Europe and also internationally, and I think that changed something for Donald Trump as well," he said.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed the announcement on X, emphasizing that "it is essential to continue fostering dialogue between allied nations."
Trump announced Wednesday on his Truth Social platform that a framework addressing Greenland and broader Arctic security emerged from discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Davos, Switzerland.
"Based upon this understanding, I will not be imposing the Tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on February 1st," he added.
The president had threatened last week to impose 10% tariffs on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland beginning Feb. 1, escalating to 25% by June absent a deal for "the complete and total purchase of Greenland."
Greenland has captured Trump's strategic interest due to its commanding Arctic location, vast mineral deposits, and purported anxieties over expanding Russian and Chinese influence in the region.
Both Denmark and Greenland have categorically dismissed any proposals to transfer the territory, firmly reasserting Danish sovereignty over the autonomous island.
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