Emmanuel Macron has hit back at Donald Trump’s latest threats to impose tariffs on any country opposing his Greenland takeover, warning that “no amount of intimidation” will persuade European nations to change their course on Greenland.
He was echoed by the Swedish prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, who warned the EU would not be “blackmailed” by the US president, who on Saturday announced 10% tariffs on eight European countries from 1 February, with a further 25% tariff from 1 June.
In a joint statement, EU leaders said “tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral”.
It is highly likely that the European parliament will halt ratification of last summer’s trade deal with the US after Manfred Weber, the head of the European People’s party, the largest voting bloc in the institute, said they would have to pause the legal rubber stamping process.
Yeah, I voted remain and like you I could clearly see the harm that leaving the EU would cause, but I couldn’t get the leave voters in my life to listen - so fuckin frustrating! And yeah, it’s hit lower paid workers harder, and even those who’ve had pay rises have rarely had ‘rises’ that meet inflation.
For me there was also the added element that I very much appreciated freedom of movement. I’ve lived and worked and had relationships and made myself at home in several EU countries and I intended to do so again in the future. So few people seemed to value the incredible opportunity this was - fuck off abroad, get a job and a flat, learn the language, make a home. Now I can only spend I think 90 out of any 180 day period in an EU country because of all those dimwitted bigots who voted leave.
I don’t think I’ll ever stop feeling angry about this.
I 100% get that, it was a moronic decision IMO.