Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement today, condemning the US's recent threats to impose tariffs over Greenland, reaffirming their commitment to security in the Arctic while preserving their sovereignty, Anadolu reports.
"Tariff threats damage transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. We will continue to stand united and coordinated in our response. We are committed to defending our sovereignty," the statement said.
It reiterates the eight countries' commitment to strengthening security in the Arctic "as a shared transatlantic interest."
"The Danish pre-prepared exercise 'Arctic Resilience', conducted with allies, responds to this need. It poses no threat to anyone," the statement said.
The statement also expressed "full solidarity" with Denmark and Greenland.
"Building on the process launched last week, we are ready to engage in dialogue based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, which we strongly support," it added.
US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Washington would impose 10 percent tariffs on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland starting February 1, which will increase to 25 percent in June, until an agreement is reached for the "full and total purchase of Greenland."
European leaders have pledged a coordinated response. /AA/
