European leaders criticize Trump’s 10% tariff threat over Greenland, call it blackmail

European leaders are warning that President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs tied to Greenland could cause economic harm and strain already tense transatlantic relations.The European leaders also cautioned that imposing tariffs over Greenland-related disputes could damage trade and political cooperation between the United States and its European allies. 
The warnings come as Trump has revived calls for the U.S. to control the Arctic territory.
Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland would be hit with the tariff.
“We stand in full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland. Building on the process begun last week, we stand ready to engage in a dialogue based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that we stand firmly behind. Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral,” the joint statement from Saturday read. “We will continue to stand united and coordinated in our response. We are committed to upholding our sovereignty.”
Denmark, which governs Greenland, has rejected any suggestion that the island could be transferred to U.S. control, emphasizing that Greenland’s future must be decided by its residents. European Union officials echoed that position, stressing respect for sovereignty while urging Washington to avoid actions that could destabilize trade relations.
“We will not let ourselves be blackmailed,” Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Sunday.
“It’s blackmail what he’s doing,” David van Weel, the Dutch foreign minister, said in an interview on Dutch television. “And it’s not necessary. It doesn’t help the alliance (NATO) and it also doesn’t help Greenland.” 

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