Eight European countries warn of escalation after Trump's threats; Baltic states also express support

BERLIN - Eight European countries, which have been slapped with additional tariffs by US President Donald Trump over objections to his efforts to take control over Greenland, have said this "jeopardizes transatlantic relations" and risks a "dangerous downward spiral".

Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Finland, Sweden and the UK issued a joint statement on Sunday in response to Trump's threat.

All eight countries expressed their determination to "strengthen Arctic security in the name of shared transatlantic interests" and pointed to the Danish-led manoeuvers that took place in Greenland over the weekend.

European countries have reiterated their solidarity with Denmark and pointed out that disagreements should be resolved through dialogue and not through threats of additional tariffs.

The Baltic states have also expressed their support for this statement.

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal have announced their support on social media.

As reported, Trump has announced that due to disagreements over Greenland, imports from eight EU Member States will be subject to a 10 percent customs duty from February 1.

The new tariffs will apply to all imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland. In the event of no agreement on the sale of Greenland to the US, the tariff will be increased to 25 percent from June.