BRUSSELS, Jan 19 (KUNA) -- The European Union (EU) stressed Monday its preference for dialogue and non-escalation with the U.S., following threats by President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on eight EU countries in the context of the dispute over Greenland, while underscoring readiness to take the necessary measures if required.
EU Trade Spokesman Olof Gill told reporters at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels that "our priority is to engage, not escalate," adding that "should the threatened tariffs be imposed, the European Union has tools at its disposal and is prepared to respond".
In the same context, the EU confirmed that leaders of the member states will hold an emergency summit on Thursday evening in Brussels to discuss the threats made by the US president to impose tariffs on countries opposing his efforts to take control of Greenland.
The meeting comes as the 27 member bloc considers potential countermeasures against the United States should the US administration move forward with punitive measures against some of its closest allies.
US President Donald Trump had earlier reiterated his stance, announcing in a message to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store that the world "will not be safe unless we have complete and total control of Greenland". (end) arn.mt