In a move aimed at containing escalating transatlantic tensions, Norway, one of eight European countries targeted by US President Donald Trump with direct economic threats, announced that it does not currently intend to take immediate retaliatory measures against US imports. This stance comes amid Washington's threat to impose punitive tariffs as leverage in the Greenland acquisition deal.
Norway adopts a cautious stance to avoid a "destructive spiral"
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, speaking to his country's national television channel, adopted a cautious and politically astute stance, saying, "I think we should think carefully to avoid a trade war that could spiral into a destructive spiral, which is in no one's interest." When asked directly about the possibility of implementing countermeasures in response to Trump's threats, Støre clearly stated, "No, that is not under consideration at the moment.".
Details of the American threat and the deadline
The US president issued a stern warning last Saturday to several European countries, threatening new tariffs if the sale of Greenland to the United States is not fully completed. The US plan includes:
- An additional 10% will be imposed starting from February 1st.
- There is a possibility that this percentage will be raised to 25% by June 1st if the American demands are not met.
The strategic importance of Greenland: Why is Trump so insistent?
To understand the context of this tension, one must consider the immense geopolitical importance of Greenland. It is not simply a vast expanse of ice; the island is a vital strategic location in the Arctic, especially as melting ice opens new shipping routes. Furthermore, the island is rich in untapped natural resources and rare minerals essential for modern technological and military industries.
Since returning to power, the US president has justified his efforts to control the island on the grounds of "national security," pointing to the need to block the growing Russian and Chinese expansion in the Arctic region, where the United States already has the strategic Thule air base in the north of the island.
European solidarity in the face of pressure
Faced with this pressure, the countries targeted by the threat (Britain, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden) issued a joint statement on Sunday, emphasizing their unified stance against linking trade issues to territorial sovereignty. Analysts point out that a full-blown trade war between the United States and its European allies could have serious economic repercussions for the global economy, which is already grappling with inflation and supply chain challenges.
