BERLIN, Jan 19 (KUNA) -- German Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil asserted that Germany and Europe will not yield to what they described as "blackmail" by US President Donald Trump over tariffs.
Speaking at a joint press conference Monday with French Finance Minister Roland Lescure, Minister Lars Klingbeil said European Union countries are preparing countermeasures in response to Trump's threats to impose new tariffs on European states opposing the US acquisition of Greenland, part of Denmark.
Klingbeil stressed Germany's position, saying Europe, "will not bow to blackmail" and will issue "a clear, unified response with countermeasures" to US threats.
Regarding possible EU responses to Trump's remarks, the German minister said measures could include suspending the EU-US customs agreement and imposing tariffs on American products.
He noted that Germany does not seek escalation, saying: "We are ready to discuss solutions, but we will not allow ourselves to be blackmailed." The statements follow Trump's warning that the US may impose additional tariffs on Germany and other NATO allies if they support Denmark's refusal to sell Greenland to the US. (end) anj.aa