European Union urged to respond to Trump with action

Brussels, Jan 13 - Danish Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Per Clausen stated today that the European Union (EU) must respond with concrete measures to the threats made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the annexation of Greenland, highlighted the newspaper Le Soir.

"Until now, most people have tolerated him acting this way. I think Trump believes European leaders are very weak, that they will never say 'no' or take action against the United States. And as long as he thinks that, he will continue to behave aggressively," declared the politician.

Clausen compared Trump's approach to international politics with "the behavior of a schoolyard bully" and warned that the lack of a firm response so far has only emboldened him.

The MEP insisted that Greenland must be a clear "red line" for the bloc, as any attempt to gain control over the autonomous Danish island "undermines the concept of union and friendship" within the Atlantic alliance.

Transatlantic relations analysts consulted by the media consider that the warning reflects the growing frustration in European sectors over a U.S. rhetoric that sees the continent's weakness as an invitation for pressure.

The MEP's position highlights the depth of unease in Europe, where Trump's claims over allied territories are eroding the foundations of the transatlantic relationship and forcing a reassessment of strategic dependence on Washington.

Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with which Washington has had a defense treaty since 1951.

Both Copenhagen and the local Greenlandic government have reiterated on numerous occasions that sovereignty is not up for discussion and that they aspire to future independence, not annexation.

The United States' attempt to instrumentalize the island in its global geostrategic competition is seen as a direct challenge to the rules-based international order, where respect for territorial integrity is a fundamental pillar, according to observers in the Nordic region. (Source: Prensa Latina)