Greenland clash left a mark on EU-US relations says Finnish PM
Allies should not exert pressure on each other or push for the annexation of a partner country’s territory, Finland’s Prime Minister told reporters in Brussels.
The diplomatic row over US President Donald Trump‘s plans to take over Greenland has left a stain on relations between the EU and the United States, according to Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP).
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with other EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday, Orpo said that the extent of the damage will only be known later.
He also noted that the situation has not yet been resolved, and there is no strong sense within the EU of when it will be.
“However, the most acute crisis situation has been defused,” Orpo said, referring in particular to the possibility of a trade war between the EU and the United States.
He further added that allies should not exert pressure on each other or push for the annexation of a partner country’s territory.
“And also, the language used towards Europe has been quite widely noted,” Orpo said.
In a speech at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland on Wednesday, President Trump said that Europe is “not heading in the right direction” and that many countries are unrecognisable from before, referring to European immigration policies.
Trump also alleged that issues like immigration and the so-called green transition — meaning a shift towards investment in sustainable energy — have hampered Europe’s development.
Ukraine awards Orpo state honour
Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that PM Orpo will be awarded one of Ukraine’s highest state honours — the 2nd Class Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise.
The honour is being bestowed on Orpo for his work in strengthening cooperation between Finland and Ukraine, Zelensky said, as well as for the premier’s continued support of Ukraine.
Finland’s former prime minister Sanna Marin also received an honour from Ukraine — in her case, the 1st Class Order of Princess Olga — in recognition of her support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Analysis: By suddenly declaring a deal on Greenland, Trump demolished his case for owning it, CBC News
Denmark: EU chief promises ‘unflinching’ response to new tariffs as Trump trolls and threatens on social media, Reuters
Finland: Finland to take part in NATO’s major Arctic-focused exercises in March, Yle News
Greenland: New Italy Arctic policy adds U.S. Greenland ambitions to growing Arctic competition narrative, Eye on the Arctic
Iceland: NATO chief to Arctic Allies: “We’re all frontline states now,” as Iceland’s role grows, Eye on the Arctic
Norway: “We want to be Europe’s most integrated region in terms of defence”, The Independent Barents Observer
Russia: Russia claims first-ever North Pole aerial refuelling, TASS reports, Reuters
Sweden: Swedish military intelligence on the great power rivalry over Greenland, Radio Sweden
United States: Trump touts ‘total access’ Greenland deal as NATO asks allies to step up, Reuters
