Former NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen warns that NATO would end if the US forcefully takes over Greenland.
Former NATO Chief on US Threat to Take Greenland
Anders Fogh Rasmussen told BBC that if Donald Trump were to carry out his threats to forcefully take over Greenland, “it would be the end of NATO.” He added, “There’s no point in a defensive alliance where the biggest ally attacks another to take territory.”
Time for Flattery Towards Trump is Over
Rasmussen stated that Europe should firmly respond to the actions of the US administration regarding Greenland. In his opinion, “the time for flattery” towards the US president is over. “It’s time to stand up to Trump,” he added.
The former NATO chief emphasized that the Americans’ attempts to pressure Europe have strengthened the unity of the EU. According to him, Trump “has united Europe like no one else”.
“Trump Only Respects Strength”
Rasmussen said that if the US imposes additional tariffs on eight European countries, Europe should respond with retaliatory tariffs on American products. He explained that such a reaction would be appropriate because “Trump only respects strength”.
US to Impose Tariffs on European Goods; EU May Use “Trade Bazooka”
Trump announced that from February 1, he will impose 10% tariffs on goods from countries that have decided to send troops to Greenland. This concerns Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Finland.
The American president added that in the coming months, tariffs could be raised to 25%. Meanwhile, media reported that the European Union may use against the US a “trade bazooka,” i.e., use a EU instrument against economic coercion from third countries.
French President Emmanuel Macron declared that he will call for the activation of this instrument if Trump does not back down from his threats.