Dutch minister calls Trump's threat of tariffs over Greenland "blackmail"

On Sunday, Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel sharply criticized US President Donald Trump's statements about imposing new tariffs on European allies if they do not agree to sell Greenland to the United States.

According to van Weel, Trump's threats do not help NATO and do not contribute in any way to resolving the situation surrounding Greenland. He stressed that he considers linking diplomacy on the island's security with trade measures unacceptable.

On Saturday, Trump announced on the social network Truth Social that he would impose additional 10% import tariffs on goods from several European countries, including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and the United Kingdom, starting February 1. These are countries that have committed to sending personnel to NATO exercises in Greenland.

The Dutch minister pointed out that the aim of this mission is to demonstrate Europe's readiness to participate in the defense of Greenland. However, Trump has long insisted that the United States wants to acquire ownership of the island because of its strategic location and mineral wealth. Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly rejected this, saying that the island is not for sale and does not want to become part of the US.

(reuters, est)