French President Emmanuel Macron called the move ”unacceptable,” while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it was ”completely wrong.”
What you should know
Eight European countries have protested after US President Donald Trump threatened to increase tariffs.
He had previously warned that he would raise tariffs on countries that disagree with his plan to annex Greenland.
Trump has already said that he will raise tariffs on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland by 10 percent from February 1 . He has also warned that this fee could increase by 25 percent.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the move was “unacceptable”. Similarly, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded that the move was completely wrong.
Meanwhile, thousands of people demonstrated in Denmark and Greenland on Saturday. The demonstrations came after Trump put forward a plan to annex Greenland to the US.
Greenland, surrounded by the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean, is considered important in terms of geostrategic and resource importance.
As the Arctic ice melts, the region could develop into an important sea route connecting Asia, Europe, Africa and the US. That is why geopolitical competition is increasing in the region.
US President Donald Trump wants to make the region part of the US, citing Russia and China's increasing influence here. He plans to try to do so through diplomatic means and, if not possible, take Greenland by military intervention.
Greenland has been part of Denmark for the past 300 years. This self-governing island also has the right to self-determination to demand independence. However, most citizens are opposed to the decision to merge with the US. Greenland has a population of around 56,000.
