Donald Trump’s announcement of imposing increased tariffs on eight EU countries for their efforts to strengthen Arctic security sets yet another precedent in the wave of U.S.-inflicted crisis in the transatlantic partnership, the PES says.
PES President Stefan Löfven stated:
“With his latest move, President Trump has triggered an avalanche that threatens to destroy decades of transatlantic cooperation. The EU and the U.S. are vital partners, deeply interconnected in both economics and defence. Yet imposing tariffs on major European economies to force the sale of sovereign territory, such as Greenland, amounts to blackmail. Europe must stand united against such coercion.”
“Trump must not only take seriously the unified European rejection of his plans to annex Greenland, but he should also listen to his own country public debate. Not only the Democrats but also many Republicans have expressed their disapproval of his intentions, and the latest polls show significant opposition to the idea among US citizens.”
European Socialists and Democrats support suspending the US-EU trade deal and find it appropriate for the EU to examine the possibilities of implementing the EU Anti-Coercion Instrument in retaliation for Trump’s latest tariff threats.
On Saturday night, President Trump threatened Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and Great Britain at a moment when the EU was moving at the forefront of efforts to find a solution, based on negotiations, international cooperation, and collaboration within NATO.
The PES stands for shared transatlantic interest in peace and security in the Arctic, through cooperation within the framework of international treaties and the Trans-Atlantic partnerships.
