Lithuanian PM on Greenland row: NATO, European unity key, but other scenarios possible

VILNIUS - Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene says that while preserving a strong NATO alliance and European unity is paramount in the row over Greenland, it is necessary to "also see the bleakest scenario."

"Our first clear step is to do everything to maintain a strong NATO alliance, European unity, and close cooperation and partnership with our strategic American allies. It seems that Europe as a whole is focused on this direction and is working to ensure that plan A prevails. But of course we are not immune to any scenarios, and when planning and strategizing, we must always consider even the bleakest one," the prime minister told reporters on Wednesday.

As reported by BNS, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he wants to take control of Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, testing NATO unity and prompting European countries to rally against Washington's plans for the Arctic island.

According to Ruginiene, both Europe and the US want to strengthen Arctic security through this process and support democratic solutions.

"America and its president have clearly stated that NATO is important. Security in our region is equally important. America and Europe have been strategic partners for centuries and bound by an alliance for many years, and it seems to me that both sides understand how important this relationship is," she said.

"Each country and its people decide on their territorial integrity and the system they want to see in their country. It seems to me that both sides understand the importance of democracy, and when it comes to certain other details, there is a clear need to sit down, talk things through and reach an agreement," the prime minister added.

Trump also said this week that starting in February, he would impose a 10 percent tariff on imports from eight European countries that sent their troops to Greenland for an exercise, including Germany, France and the United Kingdom.

The US president said he would raise the tariffs to 25 percent from June and keep them in place until "a deal is reached for the complete and total purchase of Greenland."

EU leaders will hold an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday evening to discuss their response to one of the most serious crises to hit transatlantic relations in recent years.