European leaders are uniting against what they describe as Donald Trump's 'new colonialism' over Greenland, warning that this escalating crisis poses a major threat to European security. Macron called on respect for international law and condemned Trump's aggressive tactics, branding them "useless aggressivity". The French president noted that the use of tariffs is not an acceptable solution in resolving disputes.
Macron also emphasized that the EU values its relationships with the US but cannot allow bullying or threats from Washington. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed these sentiments, pointing out that a trade deal was already agreed upon last year and criticizing Trump's imposition of a 10% tariff on imports from several countries unless they drop their objections.
Several European leaders have voiced similar concerns, warning of the dangers of "new imperialism" or "colonialism". Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever stated that Europe is at a crossroads and must stand firm in defending its interests. The EU's response would be "unflinching, united and proportional".
Belgium's stance has been echoed by Canada's prime minister Mark Carney, who emphasized the need for cooperation among middle powers to address global challenges. He highlighted the need for world order to adapt to changing circumstances.
The US president posted on social media a message from Macron saying he did not understand why Trump was pursuing this course of action. However, the tensions have led to talk of retaliatory measures by the EU against US imports worth β¬93 billion suspended for six months.
Meanwhile, Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said that it is unlikely that military force would be used but emphasized that any escalation could lead to consequences worldwide. Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that "the worst may still be ahead of us".
Greenland has a strategic importance for the US and NATO, with Trump repeatedly stating that the US needs control over Greenland for "national security" reasons. However, this stance has been met with skepticism by many European leaders.
The EU is working on developing a security package for the Arctic region centered around the sovereignty of Denmark and Greenland.
Macron also emphasized that the EU values its relationships with the US but cannot allow bullying or threats from Washington. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed these sentiments, pointing out that a trade deal was already agreed upon last year and criticizing Trump's imposition of a 10% tariff on imports from several countries unless they drop their objections.
Several European leaders have voiced similar concerns, warning of the dangers of "new imperialism" or "colonialism". Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever stated that Europe is at a crossroads and must stand firm in defending its interests. The EU's response would be "unflinching, united and proportional".
Belgium's stance has been echoed by Canada's prime minister Mark Carney, who emphasized the need for cooperation among middle powers to address global challenges. He highlighted the need for world order to adapt to changing circumstances.
The US president posted on social media a message from Macron saying he did not understand why Trump was pursuing this course of action. However, the tensions have led to talk of retaliatory measures by the EU against US imports worth β¬93 billion suspended for six months.
Meanwhile, Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said that it is unlikely that military force would be used but emphasized that any escalation could lead to consequences worldwide. Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that "the worst may still be ahead of us".
Greenland has a strategic importance for the US and NATO, with Trump repeatedly stating that the US needs control over Greenland for "national security" reasons. However, this stance has been met with skepticism by many European leaders.
The EU is working on developing a security package for the Arctic region centered around the sovereignty of Denmark and Greenland.