NewKerala.com

Von der Leyen Demands Respect for Greenland, Denmark Sovereignty Amid US Tariff Row

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has declared that respecting the sovereignty of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark is of "utmost importance" to transatlantic relations. Her remarks come in response to threats from former US President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on European countries opposing his ambition to control Greenland. Von der Leyen and other EU leaders have pushed back against the tariff approach, warning it risks a "dangerous downward spiral" in relations. European countries are now considering a coordinated response as tensions rise over the issue.

Key Points: EU's von der Leyen: Respect Greenland, Denmark Sovereignty

  • Sovereignty of Greenland and Denmark is paramount
  • Von der Leyen rejects US tariff approach
  • Trump threatens tariffs over Greenland ambition
  • EU warns of "dangerous downward spiral"
  • European countries hardening stance
2 min read

Von der Leyen urges respect for Greenland, Denmark sovereignty

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen stresses sovereignty of Greenland and Denmark is "utmost importance" as US tariff threats strain transatlantic ties.

Von der Leyen urges respect for Greenland, Denmark sovereignty
"I also addressed the need to unequivocally respect the sovereignty of Greenland and of the Kingdom of Denmark. - Ursula von der Leyen"

Davos, Jan 20

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the sovereignty of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark must be "unequivocally" respected, stressing that the issue is of "utmost importance" to the transatlantic relationship as US tariff threats add fresh strain to ties.

Von der Leyen made the remarks in a post on social media platform X after meeting a bipartisan delegation from the US Congress on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

"I also addressed the need to unequivocally respect the sovereignty of Greenland and of the Kingdom of Denmark," she wrote.

On trade, von der Leyen pushed back against the tariff approach, calling transatlantic trade and investment a major asset for both the European Union (EU) and US economies and saying tariffs run counter to shared interests.

Her remarks came as tensions have risen after US President Donald Trump threatened new tariffs on a group of European countries supporting Greenland, prompting EU officials and member states to consider possible responses while keeping diplomatic channels open.

Earlier, von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa said the EU stood in full solidarity with Denmark and Greenland and warned that tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a "dangerous downward spiral."

European countries are hardening their stance amid growing condemnation across the continent after Trump threatened tariffs on eight European countries in an effort to advance his push to "take over" Greenland, prompting mounting calls for a tough, coordinated European response and for the bloc to deploy its full range of countermeasures.

In a social media post over the weekend, Trump said the United States would impose a 10-per cent tariff from Feb. 1 on goods from eight European countries opposing his ambition to control Greenland. He warned the tariff rate would rise to 25 per cent on June 1 and remain in place until a deal is reached for the "complete and total purchase" of Greenland.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see this play out from afar. Tariffs as a tool for territorial ambition? That's a new one. Von der Leyen is correct that it undermines the entire relationship. Trade wars help no one in the end.
P
Priya S
Respecting sovereignty is non-negotiable. You cannot just "purchase" a land and its people in the 21st century! 🤦‍♀️ The EU's solidarity is good, but they need a stronger, united response. Empty warnings won't stop such threats.
R
Rohit P
While the principle is correct, I find the EU's sudden firmness on sovereignty a bit selective. Where is this unequivocal respect when it comes to other regions? The stance is right, but consistency is key for credibility.
V
Vikram M
This is about more than Greenland. It's about whether might makes right in global politics. Using economic pressure to bully smaller countries sets a terrible precedent. The world should take note.
K
Karthik V
From an Indian economic perspective, these tariff threats are worrying. Global trade needs stability, not this kind of unpredictability. It affects supply chains and investments everywhere, including here. Hope diplomacy prevails.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50