Schoof, European allies warn tariffs could escalate transatlantic tensions
At 2 p.m. Sunday, Dutch caretaker Prime Minister Dick Schoof posted a joint statement on X from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, warning that threatened U.S. import tariffs could damage transatlantic relations. "We stand in full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland,” Schoof wrote.
“Threats of import tariffs undermine transatlantic relations and carry the risk of a dangerous downward spiral. We will continue to respond in a united and coordinated manner. We are determined to uphold our sovereignty,” Schoof stated. The countries said they are willing to continue dialogue based on respect for "sovereignty and territorial integrity."
He emphasized NATO’s role in Arctic security, saying, “As NATO member states, we are committed to strengthening Arctic security as a shared transatlantic interest. The pre-coordinated Danish exercise ‘Arctic Endurance,’ conducted jointly with our allies, responds to this need. This exercise poses no threat to anyone.”
The warning follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that he will impose 10 percent import tariffs beginning Feb. 1 on countries that have recently sent troops to bolster military readiness on Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. He threatened to raise the tariffs to 25 percent on June 1.
Greenland’s government has said it would rather not become part of the United States. The European allies’ statement reflects a desire to maintain the territory’s current status while avoiding escalation.
