Keir Starmer joined the leaders of a number of European countries who expressed concern after the recent statements by the US president about Greenland and the intention to impose duties against countries opposed to American plans. A joint statement from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom emphasized readiness for dialogue, but also called for respect for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
European officials noted that the coordinated Arctic Endurance exercise poses no threat, and expressed full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. In London, Starmer called the plans to apply tariffs wrong and promised to seek clarification from the American administration, while Emmanuel Macron warned that blackmail and economic pressure were unacceptable.
It was reported that the United States intends to impose duties of 10% from February 1, with a possible increase to 25% by June; economists and politicians expressed concerns about the consequences for trade and economic stability. Meanwhile, mass actions in support of local governance took place in Greenland and Denmark, and critics suggested that Washington’s interest may be related to the island’s natural resources.
