Transatlantic Trade Tensions Escalate Over Greenland Dispute
A fresh wave of trade tensions has swept across the Atlantic after former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on nations supporting Greenland's sovereignty. In response, the European People's Party (EPP), the largest political group in the European Parliament, has announced it will halt the ratification process of the EU-U.S. trade agreement.
Party leader Manfred Weber stated that while transatlantic economic cooperation remains desirable, the current political climate makes advancing the deal impossible. 'Given these threats, we cannot move forward with tariff reductions on American goods,' he posted.
Deal Faces Mounting Obstacles
Negotiated last summer between Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the U.S. administration, the agreement has seen partial implementation but requires formal parliamentary approval. With the EPP potentially aligning with left-leaning factions, the deal now faces likely delay or rejection.
- Planned EU tariff cuts on select U.S. products now on hold
- Trump’s stance seen as economic coercion targeting foreign policy
- European lawmakers urge strategic reassessment of U.S. trade ties
Observers note the shift reflects growing EU resistance to unilateral actions and underscores how geopolitical friction is reshaping global economic partnerships.