Emmanuel Macron has hit back at Donald Trump’s latest threats to impose tariffs on any country opposing his Greenland takeover, warning that “no amount of intimidation” will persuade European nations to change their course on Greenland.
He was echoed by the Swedish prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, who warned the EU would not be “blackmailed” by the US president, who on Saturday announced 10% tariffs on eight European countries from 1 February, with a further 25% tariff from 1 June.
In a joint statement, EU leaders said “tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral”.
It is highly likely that the European parliament will halt ratification of last summer’s trade deal with the US after Manfred Weber, the head of the European People’s party, the largest voting bloc in the institute, said they would have to pause the legal rubber stamping process.
The strength and quality of democracy in EU is without comparison stronger than in USA. When we elect our politicians we have actual choices, and not just 2 right wing parties to choose among.
People with political views like Bernie Sanders and AOC are common in EU politics and have actual power.
EU has acted to resist Trump already within a month of his inauguration. This is not a matter of dying for Greenland, if USA invades Greenland, EU will hit USA on the economy, and there will be no soft power for USA to wield that will be supported by any European country or Canada.
EU has tried to accommodate Trump in many ways until now, for instance the trade deal that allowed a US 15% tariff on EU goods, while EU has a zero % tariff on American goods. This trade deal is now canceled by EU. And the end of accommodating Trump is near.
Trump could have negotiated both bases and mining rights on Greenland, but now I think both Greenland and Denmark will be very reluctant to give USA anything.
USA is dead to us now, more bullying from Trump will not be accepted over here anymore.