The President of Latvia seems unafraid that our country may end up on the list of countries that the USA will impose additional tariffs on.
The establishment of tariffs and the ensuing discussion in this regard inspire and motivate opponents, emphasized Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs in a post on the social network "Facebook," expressing his opinion on the ongoing U.S. discussion regarding Greenland.
He explained that issues related to strengthening Arctic security are currently being addressed both at the NATO level and in bilateral dialogue between Denmark and the USA, as well as with the participation of other Arctic countries while adhering to the principles of international law.
The president emphasized that Denmark is a reliable NATO ally and there should be no doubt about its ability, together with its alliance partners, to defend Greenland from potential threats from Russia or China, should they arise in the future.
"I have previously stated that Denmark is a strong democracy, a member of the European Union, and a reliable NATO ally. Greenland is an integral part of Denmark," said Rinkēvičs.
Understanding the security interests of the USA, the president expressed hope that both allies of Latvia will be able to find a mutually acceptable solution. He also emphasized that Latvia supports the continuation of direct dialogue and the statement published on Sunday by Denmark, Finland, Norway, the Netherlands, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Sweden regarding Greenland.
"The establishment of tariffs and the discussion surrounding it benefit no one in the Euro-Atlantic space, but they inspire and motivate our opponents," the president emphasized.
As reported, in response to threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to impose customs tariffs on a number of EU countries opposing Washington's plans to take control of Greenland, the EU is considering the introduction of customs tariffs on imports from the USA amounting to €93 billion or restrictions on American companies' access to the EU market, according to the "Financial Times," citing unofficial remarks from EU officials.
Trump previously stated that due to disagreements over Greenland, as of February 1, imports from eight EU countries will be subject to a 10% customs tax.
The new tariffs will affect all imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. If an agreement on the sale of Greenland to the USA is not reached, this tariff will be increased to 25% starting in June.
In light of Trump's threats to impose customs tariffs, European Council President António Costa announced on Sunday the convening of an extraordinary EU summit, which is to take place in the coming days.
