EU Chief Diplomat Emphasizes His Party is Not Interested in Fighting with the US Regarding Greenland

The European Union (EU) will not quarrel with the United States (US) regarding Greenland, but will maintain its stance because it has various ways to do so, said Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas, in a meeting of the European Parliament discussing Greenland and trans-Atlantic relations in Strasbourg.

"We are not interested in fighting, but we will defend our position. Europe has a set of ways to protect its interests," Kallas said, launching TASS (20/1).

"It will not pressure Denmark to give up Greenland, but it risks making Europe and the United States poorer," he explained.

"The European Union without hesitation supports Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark in defending their territorial integrity and sovereignty. President (US) Donald Trump's statement on Saturday created a situation we have never experienced before. Our response must remain calm, maintain our stance, and act in unity," continued Kallas.

"The United States, Denmark, and Greenland have been engaged in direct talks. That's what responsible allies do - they talk. But the tone of these talks is important and the threats made outside of these talks are also important," he added.

Kallas once again accused Russia and China of trying to weaken security in the Arctic, calling on the United States to confront Russia and China in the Arctic and Greenland as part of NATO.

US President Donald Trump is known to have expressed his desire to control Greenland for US national security, highlighting Russia's and China's presence in the Arctic region.

President Trump cited national security and strategic interests in the Arctic as justification for the move.

The desire, which has recently become stronger, has also been strongly opposed by countries in Europe, which are also allies in the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which expressed its support for Denmark regarding its autonomous territory.

Last Saturday, President Trump announced plans to impose additional tariffs of 10 percent starting February 1 on goods from Denmark, Sweden, Norway, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland.

The tariff will increase to 25 percent in June until an agreement is reached on "the complete and total purchase of Greenland."

EU leaders will gather for an "extraordinary meeting" on Thursday to discuss Trump's plans to impose tariffs, with media reports suggesting EU leaders are preparing concrete response options, including the possible re-activation of up to 93 billion euros ($108 billion) in retaliatory tariffs.