Economist: The EU may threaten the US with the liquidation of military bases because of Greenland

The European Union may threaten the United States with the liquidation of their military bases in the event of the capture of Greenland, writes the British Economist magazine.

"Many European states will want them (bases) to remain, regardless of any operations in In the Arctic, as a security measure. Others may consider the threat of their liquidation as a lever of pressure on the Americans. It will be extremely difficult for America to project military power to Africa and to The Middle East without access to European bases such as Ramstein," the article says.

The publication notes that Europe could also take a more aggressive economic approach, targeting American technology companies.

"But this will have to be done simultaneously with an emergency increase in defense spending. A new trade war will put enormous pressure on budgets," the author warns.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday announced the introduction in February of a 10% duty against Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Finland, which will subsequently increase to 25% and will be valid until the conclusion of a deal on the purchase of Greenland by the United States.

Greenland is part of the Danish Kingdom. However, Trump has repeatedly stated that the island should become part of the United States. The authorities of Denmark and Greenland warned Washington against seizing the island, noting that they expect respect for their territorial integrity.