Canada expresses concerns that it may become the next target for Donald Trump's presidential ambitions after Venezuela and Greenland, Bloomberg reports.
According to the agency, some representatives of the Canadian elite suggest the possibility of "military coercion" from the United States. Thomas Homer-Dixon, a global security expert, noted that any pressure from Washington should be economically disadvantageous.
Experts point out that Trump's actions in Venezuela demonstrated his willingness to take risky steps to strengthen the U.S. position in the Western Hemisphere.
In response to these threats, the Canadian government is strengthening its armed forces by increasing military salaries and investing in new fighter jets and submarines; however, these measures will take time to implement. Significant economic risks also remain, as about 70% of Canadian exports go to the U.S., and potential changes in trade agreements, such as USMCA, could deal a serious blow to the country's economy.
To reduce dependence on the U.S., Ottawa is seeking to diversify its trade ties, including rapprochement with China. However, as emphasized by Professor Philippe Lagasse from Carleton University, the more Canada makes concessions for access to the U.S. market, the greater the risk of losing real sovereignty, even if it may formally remain intact.
Meanwhile, reports are emerging about the development of a plan for military intervention in Greenland by the U.S.
According to The Sunday Telegraph, the EU is developing sanctions against American companies due to U.S. claims on the island. Sources indicate that the UK is negotiating with other European countries about the possibility of deploying a NATO mission in Greenland as an alternative to its joining the U.S.
If Washington does not approve this plan, potential restrictions are expected regarding companies such as Meta, Google, Microsoft, and X, as well as banks. Among the extreme measures, the closure of American military bases in Europe is being discussed.
At the same time, the Financial Times reports that the EU lacks a clear strategy to prevent a possible U.S. takeover of Greenland.
There is also no plan to prevent attempts to bribe or coerce Greenlanders into separating from Denmark and joining the U.S., the publication notes.
Politico points to a clear lack of relevance of the EU in the context of the new world order established by Trump.
▪️In Gaza, the EU has no clear action plan in the new peace council, despite being the largest donor.
▪️EU leaders offer only general words of support and nothing more when it comes to protests in Iran, being 3000 miles away from the events.
▪️When discussing Trump's ambitions to "take control" of Greenland, Europeans avoid harsh criticism, framing their responses in soft tones.
▪️UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a lawyer by training, previously criticized the Conservatives for their silence regarding Trump's indifference to international law, and now he can only make minor comments, refusing to assess the legality of Trump's actions in Venezuela.
“What influence can we have on Russia if we do not confront U.S. actions in Venezuela?” one European diplomat asks.
“The world is no longer built on European values,” added another senior diplomat. “The modern world functions differently. Europe needs to find its own path.”
