Silina stated that Latvia, as a member state of the European Union, will support the joint statement of eight European countries regarding the events in Greenland. Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced the imposition of 10% tariffs against these European countries that sent troops to Greenland, namely: the United Kingdom, Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and Norway.
De-escalation following US President Donald Trump's statements about the intention to take control of the autonomous territory of Denmark — Greenland — can only be achieved through close cooperation and direct negotiations between the US and the leaders of European countries, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina (JV) stated on Monday.
Silina explained that the situation in Greenland and the significance of Arctic security were discussed in the coalition on Monday. She emphasized that Latvia, as a member state of the European Union, supports the joint statement of eight European countries regarding the events in Greenland.
Silina acknowledged that this issue is important in the context of transatlantic relations, and therefore, it is necessary to maintain stable cooperation with partners and reduce escalation rhetoric in the public space, favoring diplomatic solutions.
A similar position was expressed by Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže (JV) in a phone conversation with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaia Kalas. In her opinion, direct dialogue is important among NATO allies and partners, including on differing positions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported to LETA.
"It is important to ensure a unified position among EU partners, coordination, and communication, while simultaneously maintaining direct and continuous dialogue with the US," Braže noted. She acknowledged that the Arctic is an important region for the security of the Euro-Atlantic space.
The Latvian Foreign Minister also emphasized that attention must not be diverted from Ukraine: "All allies must provide maximum support for Ukraine's defense capabilities and for deterring Russia — it is crucial to move forward quickly with the 20th sanctions package."
The Prime Minister of Latvia announced that a meeting of the European Council is being convened this week to discuss this issue. An informal meeting of EU foreign ministers will also take place, as the situation requires in-depth discussions.
The Prime Minister highlighted the need to protect the interests of Latvian entrepreneurs and ensure that tariff issues are properly discussed. According to her, this is not the first time the US has raised the issue of the possibility of imposing such tariffs, and previous experience shows that Latvia and European partners are capable of successfully resolving such situations.
Mutual trade restrictions are always painful for both sides, and there will be no winners in such a case for any transatlantic partner, Braže added, noting that "the only beneficiary would be the Kremlin butcher and his supporters," thus it is important to prevent escalation and address the situation through direct dialogue with the US.
Earlier, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs stated that the imposition of tariffs by the US and the discussion of this issue emboldens and inspires opponents. He explained that strengthening Arctic security is currently being addressed both within NATO and in bilateral dialogue between Denmark and the US, as well as with other Arctic states, in accordance with the principles of international law.
US President Donald Trump announced that due to disagreements regarding Greenland, starting February 1, imports from eight EU member states will be subject to a 10% customs duty.
The new tariffs will apply to all imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. If an agreement to sell Greenland to the US is not reached, this tariff will be increased to 25% starting in June.
In response to Trump's threats to impose customs tariffs, European Council President António Costa announced on Sunday the convening of an extraordinary EU summit. It is expected to take place in the coming days.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced the imposition of 10% tariffs against several European countries that sent troops to Greenland. The tariffs will affect Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, the United Kingdom, and Norway.
Leave a comment