European countries have reacted sharply to US President Donald Trump's decision to impose increased tariffs on several European countries in connection with the situation around Greenland.
Modern.az reports that Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated that such measures undermine transatlantic relations and create a risk of dangerous escalation. He emphasized that disagreements among allies should be resolved through dialogue, not pressure, and reaffirmed his commitment to the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty by expressing his support for Denmark and Greenland.
Sweden also sharply criticized these threats. The country's finance minister, Elisabeth Svantesson, called the US tariff threats absurd and stated that using duties as a means of pressure to gain control over Greenland is irresponsible. According to her, Sweden and the EU will not allow themselves to be blackmailed, but coordinated countermeasures must be taken against this with other countries of the Union.
Meanwhile, calls for a strong response are growing within the European Union. Industry representatives and politicians propose using Brussels' anti-coercion instrument, which imposes prohibitions or restrictions on American companies' access to public procurement, investments, and patents, as well as on the export of goods from the EU to the US. Major factions in the European Parliament have also stated that they will not support a trade agreement between the EU and the US as long as Washington's tariff threats continue.
Despite the escalating tensions, European leaders emphasize the importance of unity within the EU and the continuation of political dialogue with the US, warning that a trade confrontation could lead to long-term negative consequences for transatlantic relations.
It should be recalled that as of February 1, 10 percent tariffs will be applied to goods exported to the US from Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, and this tariff rate is expected to increase to 25 percent as of June 1.
