More than half a dozen European countries warned in a joint statement on Sunday that tariff threats over Greenland undermine transatlantic relations as the White House seeks to pressure allies into a deal to acquire the Arctic island.
The statement, issued by Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom, said the countries remain committed to strengthening Arctic security and are prepared to engage in dialogue grounded in respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. We will continue to stand united and coordinated in our response,” the statement said in part. “We are committed to upholding our sovereignty.”
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members said they also stand in “full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland.”
Greenland’s leaders, however, have firmly rejected any suggestion the territory’s future or sovereignty is open to negotiation.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said on Facebook Thursday that the territory is “not for sale” and will not be owned or governed by the U.S.
