Trump's tariff threat over Greenland would hurt Poland, minister says
Poland’s economy would suffer if US President Donald Trump follows through on a threat to impose additional tariffs on European Union countries opposing his bid to acquire Greenland, Digitisation Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski has warned.
In a post on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump said he would introduce an extra 10-percent tariff on imports from eight European allies that resist what he described as Washington's security-driven intention to take over Greenland. The levy would take effect on February 1 and rise to 25 percent on June 1, remaining in place until the US assumes control of the self-governing Danish territory.
The countries named by Trump — Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland and the United Kingdom — are already subject to tariffs imposed by his administration. On Sunday, they reiterated their solidarity with Denmark and Greenland, both of which have rejected Trump's annexation plans.
Gawkowski told public broadcaster TVP Info on Sunday that the potential tariff hike could also negatively impact Poland, as the European Union, of which most of the potentially affected countries, including Poland, are members, conducts a joint customs policy.
"If Trump imposes tariffs on the entire Union, Poland, and every Polish family, will suffer as well," he said.
According to Gawkowski, the EU must defend its member states, noting that the size of its common market provides it with effective leverage, a message he said Europe must consistently impart on the US administration. At the same time, he cautioned against actions that could escalate into a broader trade conflict with the US, arguing that dialogue should focus on building understanding and trust.
He also warned that the dispute over Greenland poses a serious challenge for NATO, whose members have traditionally acted in unity.
Asked about the perceived threats to the US from Russia and China which the acquisition of Greenland could mitigate, Gawkowski said that there were no such signs visible "on the map," describing the security rationale as "an imagined narrative used to justify annexation."
European Council President Antonio Costa announced on Sunday that he plans to convene an extraordinary meeting of EU leaders to coordinate the bloc's response regarding the recent events regarding Greenland. EU sources said the meeting is expected to take place on January 22.
Costa said the EU was united in its respect for international law, national integrity and sovereignty, as well as its support for Denmark and Greenland.
He also warned that Trump's threat to impose extra tariffs would weaken transatlantic relations and violate existing EU–US trade agreements. (PAP)
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