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Netherlands, UK Condemn Trump's Greenland Tariff Threats Over Arctic Security

The Netherlands' Foreign Minister stated military exercises in Greenland aim to bolster Arctic security, responding to US tariff threats. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer strongly condemned the proposed tariffs, calling them "completely wrong" and a misguided action against allies. He clarified that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and its future is a matter for its people and the Danish government. Both leaders emphasized that Arctic security is a collective NATO issue, requiring unity against threats like those from Russia.

Key Points: Trump's Greenland Tariff Threats Draw EU, UK Condemnation

  • Trump threatens tariffs over Greenland
  • NATO allies condemn the move
  • Arctic security a collective concern
  • Greenland's future rests with Denmark
  • Tensions rise over strategic region
2 min read

Military efforts in Greenland intended to contribute to security in Arctic region": Netherland FM

Netherlands and UK criticize Trump's tariffs over Greenland, stressing Arctic security is a NATO concern and the island's status is for Denmark to decide.

"Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is completely wrong. - Keir Starmer"

Amsterdam, January 18

David van Weel, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, said that the military efforts in Greenland are intended to improve security in the Arctic region.

Weel, in a post on X, said that they have taken note of US President Donald Trump's tariffs.

He said, "We have taken note of President Trump's announcement on tariffs. Military efforts related to exercises in Greenland are intended to contribute to security in the Arctic region. The Netherlands is in close contact with the EU Commission and partners on our response."

Earlier in the day, United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has strongly condemned US President Donald Trump's threats to impose tariffs on European nations over Greenland, calling the move "completely wrong."

In a statement posted on X on Sunday, the UK PM reiterated Britain's stance on Greenland, noting that the Arctic island is "part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and its future is a matter for the Greenlanders and the Danes."

He added that Arctic security is a concern for the entire NATO alliance and that all member states should work together to address threats posed by Russia across the region.

Starmer further criticised the idea of imposing tariffs on allies pursuing collective security measures.

"Our position on Greenland is very clear - it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and its future is a matter for the Greenlanders and the Danes. We have also made clear that Arctic Security matters for the whole of NATO and allies should all do more together to address the threat from Russia across different parts of the Arctic," the UK PM said.

"Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is completely wrong. We will of course be pursuing this directly with the US administration," Starmer added.

On Saturday, Trump threatened to impose tariffs on the United Kingdom and other European countries unless they agree to sell Greenland.

In his post, Trump claimed the move is necessary for national security, citing China's and Russia's interest in the territory.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This feels like a colonial mindset resurfacing. Greenland belongs to its people and Denmark, not something to be bought or sold via tariff threats. India has always stood against such imperialistic attitudes. The focus should be on climate change in the Arctic, not military posturing.
A
Aman W
While Russia's actions are a concern, this whole situation shows how fragile Western alliances can be. India's policy of strategic autonomy looks wiser by the day. We must build our own capabilities and not rely too heavily on any one bloc.
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Sarah B
As someone living in India, I find the Dutch FM's statement reasonable—security exercises are normal. But Trump's tariff threat is pure bullying. It undermines the very NATO unity needed to counter Russia. The UK PM is right to call it out.
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Vikram M
The real story is China and Russia's interest. The Arctic is becoming a new strategic hotspot. India has scientific stations there (Himadri). We need a clear, long-term Arctic policy that safeguards our research and economic interests without getting dragged into these Western squabbles.
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Karthik V
Respectfully, I think the Indian media should focus more on our own regional security challenges with neighbors, rather than giving so much space to distant Arctic politics. Let's prioritize our backyard first.

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