Greenland Is Increasingly Unrest: Should Canada Participate?
Canada is considering a rather "bold" move: sending a small number of troops to Greenland to participate in military exercises with NATO allies. This plan is still under discussion, but if it goes ahead, it carries significant risks—it could provoke retaliation from the United States.
According to the initial plan, Canadian troops would join troops from the UK, France, Denmark, and other countries in the joint exercises. However, Prime Minister Mark Carney has reportedly not made a final decision, and discussions are still under wraps.
The Greenland issue is a hot topic again because US President Donald Trump is using the "NATO exercise" as a pretext to pressure Europe with tariffs. Trump announced 10% tariffs, which will rise to 25% in June, against eight European countries, following their rejection of his Greenland plan.
The tariff threat has sparked a strong reaction in Europe. EU leaders are said to be holding an emergency meeting to discuss responses and retaliation options, including the possibility of retaliatory tariffs. From the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer even told Trump directly that the tariff maneuver was "wrong."
Carney himself reiterated Canada's position: Greenland's future should be decided by Denmark and Greenland, not anyone else. He called the situation serious, Canada concerned about escalation, and Greenland's security fundamentally a NATO responsibility.
The pressure is compounded by Canada's high vulnerability to US tariffs. Nearly 70% of Canadian exports go to the US. Trump had previously imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, then raised it to 35% in August—although many goods are still exempt under the USMCA.
5 Key Points:
- Canada is considering sending troops to NATO exercises in Greenland, but a final decision has not been made.
- Trump has threatened 10% tariffs (rising to 25% in June) on eight European countries over the Greenland issue.
- Europe is preparing a response: emergency meeting + retaliation options, including retaliatory tariffs.
- Mark Carney emphasized: Greenland's future is determined by Denmark and Greenland; NATO is responsible for security.
- Canada is vulnerable to US tariffs because ~70% of its exports go to the American market. (asd)
Source: Newsmaker.id
