Norway Claims Trump's Tariffs Violate NATO Regulations
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has expressed concerns that the newly implemented US trade policy might infringe upon the economic commitments of the military alliance. Eide discussed this issue at the NATO foreign ministers’ meeting...
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Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has expressed concerns that the newly implemented US trade policy might infringe upon the economic commitments of the military alliance.
Eide discussed this issue at the NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels on Thursday, as reported by public broadcaster NRK. He highlighted Article 2 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which urges member states to strengthen economic relations to promote peace and stability within the alliance.
“If you want a strong NATO, you should ensure that there is as much economic growth as possible in the NATO countries,” NRK quoted him as saying.
“That was the insight of those who established NATO, that economic cooperation would be good for the entire alliance,” he added.
The Foreign Minister reportedly addressed the matter directly with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the session, stating, “We must be clear that protectionist measures between allies are a serious problem.”
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump announced significant tariff increases affecting numerous trading partners, including those in NATO. Norway is among the nations impacted, facing a 15% duty on certain exports to the United States.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store commented to NRK on Thursday that Oslo intends to engage in talks with the US regarding the tariffs.
“This is bad news, it is very serious,” Store stated. “There is an opening for negotiations here, the Americans say, and we will use that in every possible way that we can,” he added.
Trump's announcement has raised alarms throughout the EU, with various NATO allies expressing concerns that the tariffs could adversely affect trade and the cohesion of the alliance. French President Emmanuel Macron characterized the tariffs as “brutal and unfounded” and cautioned that retaliatory measures could involve a digital tax targeting American tech companies.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
Eide discussed this issue at the NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels on Thursday, as reported by public broadcaster NRK. He highlighted Article 2 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which urges member states to strengthen economic relations to promote peace and stability within the alliance.
“If you want a strong NATO, you should ensure that there is as much economic growth as possible in the NATO countries,” NRK quoted him as saying.
“That was the insight of those who established NATO, that economic cooperation would be good for the entire alliance,” he added.
The Foreign Minister reportedly addressed the matter directly with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the session, stating, “We must be clear that protectionist measures between allies are a serious problem.”
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump announced significant tariff increases affecting numerous trading partners, including those in NATO. Norway is among the nations impacted, facing a 15% duty on certain exports to the United States.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store commented to NRK on Thursday that Oslo intends to engage in talks with the US regarding the tariffs.
“This is bad news, it is very serious,” Store stated. “There is an opening for negotiations here, the Americans say, and we will use that in every possible way that we can,” he added.
Trump's announcement has raised alarms throughout the EU, with various NATO allies expressing concerns that the tariffs could adversely affect trade and the cohesion of the alliance. French President Emmanuel Macron characterized the tariffs as “brutal and unfounded” and cautioned that retaliatory measures could involve a digital tax targeting American tech companies.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
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