US tariff threats 'undermine transatlantic relations': European nations

ISTANBUL (AA) - Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK issued a joint statement on Sunday, denouncing recent US tariff threats over Greenland and vowing commitment to Arctic security while upholding their sovereignty.

"Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. We will continue to stand united and coordinated in our response. We are committed to upholding our sovereignty," the statement wrote.

It reiterated the eight nations' commitment to strengthening Arctic security "as a shared transatlantic interest."

"The pre-coordinated Danish exercise 'Arctic Endurance' conducted with Allies, responds to this necessity. It poses no threat to anyone," the statement underscored.

The statement also voiced their "full solidarity" with Denmark and Greenland.

"Building on the process begun last week, we stand ready to engage in a dialogue based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that we stand firmly behind," it added.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Washington will impose 10% tariffs on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland from Feb. 1, rising to 25% in June until there's a deal for "the complete and total purchase of Greenland." European leaders have vowed a coordinated response.

It reiterated the eight nations' commitment to strengthening Arctic security "as a shared transatlantic interest."

"The pre-coordinated Danish exercise 'Arctic Endurance' conducted with Allies, responds to this necessity. It poses no threat to anyone," the statement underscored.

The statement also voiced their "full solidarity" with Denmark and Greenland.

"Building on the process begun last week, we stand ready to engage in a dialogue based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that we stand firmly behind," it added.