CHANGE LANGUAGE

Trump, Canada, Panama and Greenland: What Europe and the UN Think

Donald Trump shakes up the international order with ambitions on Greenland, Canada and Panama: Europe and UN respond firmly

Trump, Canada, Panama and Greenland: What Europe and the UN Think

US President Donald Trump, in one of his most controversial statements, took an attitude defined as “imperialist” by several international observers, triggering harsh and united reactions from global partners and allies. Its ambitions to annex Canada, take control of Greenland (a territory of Denmark and a NATO member) and take back the Panama Canal by force, have raised a wave of condemnation from several leaders, both European and international.

Greenland: The European Reaction

Trump does not seem to be willing to give up Greenland, a geopolitically strategic island rich in natural resources. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has made it clear that “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders“, while Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen left room for dialogue for strengthen cooperation between the two nations. The possibility of an independence referendum next spring in Greenland has also emerged, which Trump seems to be banking on to destabilize the situation and increase pressure on Copenhagen.

The European Union has taken a firm position. “The sovereignty of states must be respecteda”, said a spokeswoman for the European Commission, who also Trump's request to increase NATO spending rejected to 5% of GDP. Germany and France were among the most vocal in responding to the new president’s statements. Outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke of “considerable discomfort” and reiterated that borders should not be moved by force, while French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called Greenland “European territory,” ruling out any possibility of compromise.

Panama and the control of the canal

Trump criticized former President Jimmy Carter for returning control of the Panama Canal to the Central American nation in the 70s, calling it “a great historical mistake“. He also raised the possibility of a military intervention to regain control of the Canal, justifying it with reasons of economic and strategic security. However, the government of Panama responded harshly, declaring that “the sovereignty of the Canal is not negotiable".

Canada and Mexico 

Canada, according to the President, should become the 51st state of the United States, a goal that he would like to pursue through "economic strength". This statement has provoked a strong reaction from Ottawa, which reaffirmed its national sovereignty. At the same time, Trump also pointed the finger at Mexico, proposing to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.” During his speech, he criticized the state for immigration to the United States, insisting that it adopt tougher measures.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded sarcastically, proposing to rename the entire continent “Mexican America“. The comment drew applause from some Mexican political sectors, turning into a response to continued US pressure.

Trump, Canada, Panama e Groenlandia: cosa ne pensano Europa e ONU

 

An international front against Trump

Trump's expansionist ambitions have also met with firm opposition at the United Nations, which has recalled the fundamental principle of the inviolability of borders, enshrined in the UN Charter.

Despite the criticism, Trump continues to use social media to promote his vision. On the platform Truth, he posted maps showing Canada being incorporated into the United States, sparking further backlash.

A Test for Global Order

The tensions triggered by Trump with his recent statements represent a challenge to the current international order. Europe, led by Germany and France, seems intent on reaffirming the fundamental principles of international law, while other countries such as Panama and Mexico are responding firmly to the provocations of the US president.

Follow La Milano on our Whatsapp channel

Reproduction reserved © Copyright La Milano

×