Trump's Tariff Threat over Greenland: Germany Calls it Extortion, Says Preparing Countermeasures

AFP Berlin, 19th. U.S. President Trump threatened to impose tariffs on European countries that oppose his Greenland plan, and German Deputy Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said today that Europe is preparing countermeasures against Trump's "extortion."

Klingbeil said during a joint press conference in Berlin with French Economy and Finance Minister Roland Lescure: "We will not allow ourselves to be extorted."

"Europe will respond in a united and clear manner. We are currently working with our European partners to prepare countermeasures."

Trump threatened on the 17th that if countries do not hand over Greenland to the United States, he would impose tariffs of up to 25% on European countries such as Denmark. Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark.

Britain, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden issued a joint statement last weekend to counter this threat.

Klingbeil pointed out that Europe's response may include three directions.

First, the current tariff agreements with the United States will be put on hold.

Second, the import tariffs that Europe may impose on American goods could take effect. These measures are currently suspended until early February.

Third, the EU should consider using available tools to respond to Washington's "economic extortion."

Roland Lescure agreed that Trump's threat was akin to "extortion." He said, "Extorting a 250-year-old ally, a friend, is clearly unacceptable."

He said, "Europeans must remain united and coordinated in their response. Most importantly, we must be fully prepared to use the various tools of the EU. ... We are determined to defend our sovereignty."

Roland Lescure said that the G7 finance ministers' meeting will be held soon to discuss urgent issues including Greenland. France is currently the rotating chair of the G7, and the United States is also a member.

Regarding Trump's threats, Klingbeil emphasized that this "has reached the limit of Europe."

He said, "We keep experiencing new rounds of confrontation from President Trump."

Original: toutiao.com/article/1854753009441803/

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