Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel didn’t mince words, branding President Donald Trump’s tariff threats against European countries aiding Greenland operations as ‘blackmail’ and utterly ‘unreasonable.’ The bold statement came amid rising friction over military presence on the Danish territory.
On Sunday’s ‘WNAL op Zondag’ TV show, van Weel demanded action to derail the ‘nonsensical’ initiative. He emphasized that intimidating partners undermines alliance foundations: ‘This isn’t the way to collaborate with allies.’
The Netherlands remains steadfast. Its two envoys in Greenland for NATO prep won’t be recalled, and additional forces are slated for deployment when operations intensify—numbers to be finalized later.
With the Davos World Economic Forum looming, van Weel stressed the urgency: ‘Our top task is killing this foolish idea.’ European dignitaries expect Trump’s attendance, setting the stage for high-stakes talks.
EU leaders share the alarm. Chair Ursula von der Leyen warned Trump’s 10% tariff declaration risks sparking a ‘perilous decline’ in U.S.-Europe relations.
Via Truth Social, Trump specified tariffs on all imports from troop-sending nations effective February 1, escalating to 25% by June unless Greenland is acquired.
Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans had announced the initial two-person deployment under a Danish effort, interpreted as NATO exercise scouting.
This episode underscores Arctic strategic rivalries, where control of Greenland could reshape global power dynamics. Stakeholders watch closely as economic weapons threaten longstanding NATO solidarity.