The European Parliament has stopped its work on a big trade agreement with the United States. This happened because President Donald Trump wanted to buy Greenland from Denmark. The decision was announced on Wednesday. It stops all work on the agreement. This makes trade plans uncertain. The good relationship between the EU and US is now in trouble.
President Trump has said he wants to buy Greenland many times. Many people think this idea is bad and a disrespect to countries. Bernd Lange, who leads the trade committee, explained the EU's view. He said that threats, especially to Greenland and Denmark, made this decision necessary. The Parliament wants to protect countries' land. They do not like this kind of diplomacy.
The EU and US trade relationship was getting better. In July, they agreed that the US would lower some taxes on European goods. The taxes would be 15% instead of 30%. The EU promised to invest money in the US economy. However, Trump's words about Greenland have broken this new agreement.
President Trump said buying Greenland is important for national security. This has worried businesses and raised fears of a trade war. After the EU announcement, Trump posted on social media. He seemed to take back threats of new taxes on some NATO countries. However, his focus on Greenland and possible new taxes was too much for the EU Parliament.
Mr. Lange said the Parliament will wait until the US wants to work together again. He said they want cooperation, not confrontation. The EU might put taxes on about €93 billion of American goods. The situation with Greenland has hurt the trade deal. It has also brought back worries about trade problems between Europe and America. The next few weeks will be important for saving the trade relationship.