European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas responds to Trump’s announced tariffs on European countries, warning of divisions that benefit China and Russia.
Kallas Hits Out at Trump’s Tariffs
On Saturday, January 17, Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas commented on Donald Trump’s announcement about imposing tariffs on some European countries. “China and Russia are certainly rubbing their hands today. They are the ones who benefit from divisions among allies,” she wrote.
“If Greenland’s security is threatened, we can address this within NATO. Tariffs threaten to increase poverty in Europe and the United States and undermine our common prosperity,” Kallas added as the high representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
“We cannot allow our dispute to distract us from our main task, which is to help end Russia’s war with Ukraine,” she emphasized.
Trump Announces Greenland-Related Tariffs
Donald Trump on Saturday announced 10 percent tariffs on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Finland. On June 1, they will rise to 25 percent.
The rates will remain in effect until an agreement is reached for the US to purchase Greenland. “The United States has been trying to conduct this transaction for over 150 years,” Trump stated, adding that the need for acquisition is particularly important now due to Greenland’s strategic location and modern weapons systems.
The Republican repeated that this is to prevent China and Russia, which allegedly want to take over Greenland.
Europe Will Remain United
Chair of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen commented on Trump’s announcement, stating that tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations. “Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to maintaining its sovereignty,” she declared.
In a similar tone, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that threats to impose tariffs are “unacceptable.” He announced that Europeans would react in a united and coordinated manner if the tariffs come into effect.
“We will ensure the maintenance of European sovereignty. In this spirit, I will work with our European partners,” Macron wrote.
