By our foreign desk
BRUSSELS has told the United States to keep its hands off Greenland in a defiant “not for sale” message to Washington.
In a late-night showdown, EU chief António Costa warned that only the Kingdom of Denmark gets to decide the future of the icy territory, following fresh American interest in the region.
Speaking after a heated summit of European leaders, President Costa declared: “The Kingdom of Denmark and Greenland have the full support of the European Union. Only they can decide on matters concerning them.”
The row comes as the U.S. eyes up the Arctic for its massive mineral wealth and strategic military positions. But the EU has fired back, insisting they will protect their “territorial integrity” against any “coercion” from across the pond.
The tough talk signals a “Cold War” frostiness in the usually cozy transatlantic relationship, with Costa vowing that Europe has the “tools” to defend itself if the Yanks push too hard.
Trade Peace?
Despite the Arctic spat, there was a glimmer of hope for British and European shoppers.
TARIFF TRUCE: Plans for new U.S. taxes on European goods have been scrapped.
TRADE DEAL: Both sides are now racing to fix a massive trade agreement to keep prices stable.
Europe is planning a “strategic brainstorming” session on February 12 to beef up its own markets and military.
Peace Plans
The leaders also waded into global conflicts, backing a peace plan for Gaza that would see a “Board of Peace” move in to run things.
However, they gave a “thumbs down” to certain U.S. ideas for a peace charter in Ukraine, claiming some of the American proposals might actually break UN rules.
