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Dutch FM Slams US Greenland Tariffs as "Blackmail" Ahead of Deadline

Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel has condemned proposed US tariffs on several European countries as "blackmail," aimed at pressuring a deal for the US purchase of Greenland. US President Donald Trump announced the tariffs, starting at 10% on February 1 and escalating to 25% in June, targeting nations including Denmark, France, Germany, and the UK. Greenland is a self-governing territory of Denmark, which controls its foreign and defense policy, and hosts a key US military base. Recent high-level talks between Danish, Greenlandic, and US officials failed to resolve the "fundamental disagreement" over the island's future.

Key Points: US Greenland Tariffs Called "Blackmail" by Dutch Foreign Minister

  • US to impose tariffs over Greenland purchase
  • Dutch FM calls tariffs "blackmail"
  • Tariffs start Feb 1, rise to 25% in June
  • Greenland is self-governing Danish territory
  • Recent diplomatic talks ended in "fundamental disagreement"
2 min read

Dutch FM calls US tariffs over Greenland 'blackmail'

Dutch Foreign Minister condemns US tariffs on European nations over Greenland as "blackmail," as Trump sets February 1 deadline for the punitive trade measures.

"The first priority is to withdraw this ridiculous proposal. If that doesn't work, I can't rule anything out. - David van Weel"

The Hague, Jan 19

Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel on Sunday condemned the US imposition of tariffs on European countries over Greenland, calling it an act of "blackmail."

The minister said on WNL op Zondag, a Sunday talk show on the Dutch public broadcaster NPO, that it was unacceptable to use trade tariffs as a tool to exert political or military pressure, describing the measure as "blackmail."

Van Weel said there is still room for the measure to be withdrawn before it takes effect on February 1, adding, "The first priority is to withdraw this ridiculous proposal. If that doesn't work, I can't rule anything out."

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States will impose 10-per cent tariffs on all goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands and Finland over Greenland starting on February 1.

The tariffs would increase to 25 per cent on June 1, and would continue until a deal is reached for the United States to purchase Greenland, he said on social media.

Greenland, the world's largest island, is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with Copenhagen retaining control over defence and foreign policy. The United States maintains a military base on the island.

Since returning to office in 2025, Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to "obtain" Greenland and has recently ramped up his threat.

On Wednesday, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt met U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington. Following the meeting, the Danish and Greenlandic officials said "fundamental disagreement" over the future of Greenland remained.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an Indian, I find this deeply concerning. If powerful nations can bully others to sell their territory, where does it stop? What about the people of Greenland? Their self-determination matters most. 🇮🇳 Stands for sovereignty.
R
Rohit P
Honestly, the world's focus should be on climate change and cooperation. Greenland's ice sheet is melting, and instead of addressing that, there's talk of buying it? Priorities are completely wrong. This tariff threat is just disruptive.
S
Sarah B
While the method is aggressive, one has to look at the strategic angle. The US already has a base there. Perhaps they want to secure resources or positioning. Still, "blackmail" via tariffs hurts ordinary European businesses and workers. Not the way.
V
Vikram M
This is why India's policy of strategic autonomy and non-alignment makes sense. Getting caught in these big power games only causes economic pain for common people. Europe must stand united against this pressure. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
A respectful criticism: The Dutch FM's strong words are good, but Europe often talks and then compromises. They need a firm, united response. You can't negotiate with someone who uses tariffs as an opening move for a land grab. Time for action.

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