Trump’s Greenland Comments Spark Diplomatic Tensions with Denmark, EU

11:32 1/2/2025 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

What once seemed like mere rhetoric has now escalated into a serious diplomatic issue.

Danish officials are expressing shock over former U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive stance on Greenland following revelations about his phone call with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

During a 45-minute conversation last week, Trump reportedly reiterated his belief that the U.S. could ultimately acquire

Greenland, the vast Arctic island under Danish sovereignty. He cited concerns over Russian and Chinese interests in the region, arguing that Denmark lacks the capability to defend the territory.

Danish leaders, however, firmly reject the idea, emphasizing that while the U.S. is welcome to expand its military presence under existing agreements,

Greenland is not for sale. The U.S. currently operates an airbase on the island under a 1951 bilateral defense agreement.

European Response

Frederiksen has since launched diplomatic efforts to secure European support for Greenland’s sovereignty. Leaders from across Scandinavia, along with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron, have expressed solidarity with Denmark. Informal discussions have even taken place about the possibility of deploying European troops to the island as a precautionary measure.

European Union officials in Brussels are reportedly surprised by Trump’s position, particularly since the U.S. formally recognized Danish sovereignty over Greenland in a 1917 treaty that facilitated the transfer of the Caribbean islands—now the U.S. Virgin Islands—to America

Broader Economic Tensions

The dispute over Greenland is not the only source of friction between Trump and Europe. The former president has repeatedly criticized the European Union, threatening broad tariffs on EU goods.

At a recent economic summit in Davos, Trump stated via video link that while he “loves Europe,” he believes the EU is “very, very bad for us.” However, economic data presents a more complex picture. In 2023, the EU held a trade surplus with the U.S. of €150 billion ($162 billion), though a significant portion stems from American companies headquartered in Ireland for tax advantages.

Conversely, the EU remains a major investor in the U.S., accounting for 45% of all foreign direct investment into the country last year, totaling $2.4 trillion. This interdependence raises doubts about the feasibility of Trump’s proposed tariffs, as economic experts warn they could harm American businesses and jobs while fueling inflation.

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