In a sharp rebuke, Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel has labeled U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on eight European nations as outright ‘blackmail.’ The threat stems from these countries’ decision to support military activities in Greenland, a strategically vital Arctic island.
Speaking on the Dutch television current affairs program ‘WNAL op Zondag’ on Sunday, van Weel described the plan as ‘incomprehensible’ and ‘unjust.’ He urged immediate efforts to scrap what he called this ‘absurd scheme.’ ‘This is blackmail, and it’s not how you treat allies,’ the minister stated firmly.
Despite the warnings, the Netherlands has no intention of withdrawing its two personnel dispatched to Greenland for NATO exercise preparations. Van Weel confirmed that once the actual operation kicks off, more troops will follow, though the exact numbers remain undecided.
The controversy escalates as European leaders, including Trump, prepare to converge at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this week. ‘We have a lot of homework to do there,’ van Weel said, prioritizing the termination of this ‘ridiculous proposal.’
The European Union has echoed these concerns, warning that such tariffs could severely strain transatlantic ties. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen cautioned that the announced 10% tariffs might trigger a ‘dangerous downturn’ in relations.
Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social platform, declaring that tariffs would hit all goods from countries sending troops to Greenland starting February 1. He further warned that if Greenland isn’t ‘bought’ by June, rates would surge to 25%.
This follows Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans’ earlier disclosure of sending two military personnel as part of a Danish mission, viewed as groundwork for potential NATO drills in the region.
The standoff highlights growing tensions over Arctic influence, with Greenland’s position drawing intense geopolitical interest. As Davos approaches, all eyes are on whether diplomacy can avert an economic clash between allies.
