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[EU Parliament eyes freezing US trade deal over Trump's Greenland threats]

#31

Off the Record / Re: US - Greenland Crisis Thre...

Last post by Jacob - January 09, 2026, 06:36:07 PM

Another area to watch: ratification of the most recent EU-US trade deal

EU Parliament eyes freezing US trade deal over Trump's Greenland threats
Unpopular trade agreement could be blocked because of U.S. president's rhetoric on seizing Greenland.

BRUSSELS — Senior EU lawmakers want the European Parliament to freeze the EU-U.S. trade deal in response to Donald Trump's threats to take over Greenland.

The deal was deeply unpopular across party lines as it was seen as overwhelmingly favoring Washington, but European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sold it as the price of keeping Trump onside. However, Trump ratcheted up his rhetoric this week, saying "we need Greenland from the standpoint of national security," and has repeatedly refused to rule out military intervention.

As a result, MEPs from the center-left, liberal, green, and left-wing groups say the deal should be blocked.

"I cannot imagine that in the current situation MEPs would vote for any trade measures benefiting the U.S.," the Greens' top trade lawmaker and chair of the Internal Market Committee Anna Cavazzini told POLITICO.

"We should have such a discussion, it's inevitable," added Brando Benifei, the Socialist lawmaker who chairs Parliament's delegation for relations with the U.S.

Under the deal, most EU exports are subject to a 15 percent U.S. tariff. To complete its side of the bargain, the EU also needs to pass legislation to abolish all tariffs on U.S. industrial goods, including the 10 percent it currently slaps on U.S. cars, and ease market access for some farm produce and seafood.

"If we are to give it the green light, we need guarantees that the U.S. will stop its tariffs and its security-related threats," said Renew's trade heavyweight Karin Karlsbro. "The United States cannot take the EU's support for the trade agreement for granted."

Danish MEP Per Clausen, of The Left group, has circulated a letter among all MEPs asking them to support his call for Parliament President Roberta Metsola to freeze parliamentary work on the deal. The deadline for adding signatures is Tuesday.

"If we accept this agreement while Trump is threatening the international order and making direct territorial claims against Denmark, it will be seen as rewarding his actions — and will only add fuel to the fire," Clausen said.

The biggest political group in the Parliament, the European People's Party (EPP), remains noncommittal.

"These are separate matters," said Željana Zovko, the group's negotiator on the U.S. file, when asked whether the Parliament should freeze the trade deal over Greenland.

The EPP's top trade MEP, Jörgen Warborn, left the door to blocking the trade deal ajar. While the EU "must preserve" the deal as a basis for stable transatlantic trade, he said, "we are ready to act if necessary."

But the EPP lacks the numbers to pass the deal with right-wing and far-right allies alone. A united front by the Socialists, Renew and the Greens would be enough to put the agreement on ice.

The Parliament's U.S. deal negotiators will meet on Wednesday to discuss next steps.

https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-parliament-eyes-freezing-us-trade-deal-over-donald-trump-greenland-threats/

#32

Off the Record / Re: Trump's Venezuela Vendetta

Last post by Jacob - January 09, 2026, 06:30:16 PM

Was Venezuela Putin's to surrender?

No, much like Ukraine isn't Trump's to surrender. Doesn't mean they won't try.

Putin could, I suppose, take steps to make it easier or harder for the US in Venezuela, however.

#33

Off the Record / Re: Trump's Venezuela Vendetta

Last post by HVC - January 09, 2026, 06:17:25 PM

Was Venezuela Putin's to surrender?

#34

Off the Record / Re: What does a TRUMP presiden...

Last post by Jacob - January 09, 2026, 06:13:34 PM

Looks a bit like:

#35

Off the Record / Re: Trump's Venezuela Vendetta

Last post by Jacob - January 09, 2026, 06:12:10 PM

So it seems like a faction inside Venezuela might have used the US as an instrument for getting rid of Maduro and seize power themselves, and part of that includes some sort of deal being made with the Trump administration.

Also, it is possible that Putin and Trump have reached some sort of understanding about "spheres of influence". Crudely (and I've seen it reported like that), Putin traded Venezuela for Ukraine. Though, of course, Trump is notorious for not holding up his end of the deal, so if he feels secure in getting what he wants from Venezuela he may keep the pressure up on Putin in Ukraine (or honour his deal, who knows?)

If either (or both) of those are true, it looks like it's not regime change in Venezuela as much as it's a change in patron.

Also, if there was an understanding reached with Putin it'll be interesting to see to what degree Chinese interests in Venezuela get screwed as part of any impending changes.

Of course, it remains to be seen how much Venezuela aligns with the US in the next little while.

#36

Off the Record / Re: US - Greenland Crisis Thre...

Last post by HVC - January 09, 2026, 05:55:58 PM

Have most European countries given up the draft? If so what are the odds of reinstating them? Thinking along the line of South Korean "real" training.

I believe the draft is coming back in a number of places.

That's good. Well, not good exactly, prudent? Hopefully it's they're effective training and not just filling barracks and numbers.

#37

Off the Record / Re: Facebook Follies of Friend...

Last post by Syt - January 09, 2026, 05:15:26 PM

#38

Off the Record / Re: Trump's Venezuela Vendetta

Last post by Tonitrus - January 09, 2026, 05:12:20 PM

As the intent seems to be to keep the current regime in power (with Maduro as a token human sacrifice/hostage), with sticks to try and make it do our bidding...it appears we're moving from the discredited "regime change" to instead using "regime control".

#39

Off the Record / Re: What does a TRUMP presiden...

Last post by Grey Fox - January 09, 2026, 04:57:50 PM

He's the leader America needs, love him or die.

#40

Off the Record / Re: Trump's Venezuela Vendetta

Last post by Jacob - January 09, 2026, 04:51:24 PM

@Sheilbh that sounds more reasonable than what I thought you initially had said