Emmanuel Macron has hit back at Donald Trump’s latest threats to impose tariffs on any country opposing his Greenland takeover, warning that “no amount of intimidation” will persuade European nations to change their course on Greenland.
He was echoed by the Swedish prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, who warned the EU would not be “blackmailed” by the US president, who on Saturday announced 10% tariffs on eight European countries from 1 February, with a further 25% tariff from 1 June.
In a joint statement, EU leaders said “tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral”.
It is highly likely that the European parliament will halt ratification of last summer’s trade deal with the US after Manfred Weber, the head of the European People’s party, the largest voting bloc in the institute, said they would have to pause the legal rubber stamping process.
Yes, I am European and a supporter of EU in for instance the way EU requires member states to observe human rights.
And also how EU protects democratic rights for all citizens of EU, which again is directly contrary to USA, that undermine democracy on the federal level.
My friend, if you trust your neoliberal politicians to not bend the knee to Trump and their own capitalist class; you’ll soon be enjoying our lack of healthcare.
Please, this is not a “anti European” position. Don’t confuse it for such. This is an American warning you. Unless you personally are willing to go die for Greenland, don’t expect others to. If you are, more power to you, but you’d be sitting in an insignificant minority of Europeans.
The strength and quality of democracy in EU is without comparison stronger than in USA. When we elect our politicians we have actual choices, and not just 2 right wing parties to choose among.
People with political views like Bernie Sanders and AOC are common in EU politics and have actual power.
EU has acted to resist Trump already within a month of his inauguration. This is not a matter of dying for Greenland, if USA invades Greenland, EU will hit USA on the economy, and there will be no soft power for USA to wield that will be supported by any European country or Canada.
EU has tried to accommodate Trump in many ways until now, for instance the trade deal that allowed a US 15% tariff on EU goods, while EU has a zero % tariff on American goods. This trade deal is now canceled by EU. And the end of accommodating Trump is near.
Trump could have negotiated both bases and mining rights on Greenland, but now I think both Greenland and Denmark will be very reluctant to give USA anything.
USA is dead to us now, more bullying from Trump will not be accepted over here anymore.
I’m sorry. But you are incredibly ignorant of how the world works and have far too much faith in your social democratic policies that will be the first to be cut as the world changes. You’ll see in another year or two. You should be organizing resistance to this change. Not blindly trusting your superior system.
Good luck mate. Maybe you’ll remember this a year from now as you start to notice the decline.