Following the recent threats by US President Donald Trump against Denmark concerning the status of Greenland, as well as the announcement of new import duties, the European Union is reacting with a comprehensive defense plan. Reports suggest that the EU Commission is preparing a list of US goods that could be hit with punitive tariffs. The total volume of these measures is expected to amount to about 93 billion euros.
The background to the tensions is the renewed interest of the USA in taking over Greenland. President Trump had warned Denmark against hindering access to the island and threatened to impose extensive trade barriers if they refused. The EU member states subsequently signaled their solidarity with Denmark. A special summit planned for next Wednesday in Brussels is intended to coordinate a unified European response.
While Trump defended his plans in Davos, political resistance is forming within the USA itself. Leading Democrats in the Senate announced they would seek to block the implementation of the tariff plans through parliament. They warn against the economic consequences of another trade war with Europe. Meanwhile, talks between representatives of the USA and the Danish government have begun in Greenland, accompanied by protests.
