Week 13: Debators criticize US power play in Greenland and in trade policy

US Vice President JD Vance's brief visit to Greenland has once again set the stagen at the center of a geopolitical tug-of-war. At the same time, Donald Trump continues Trumps tariff policy to create concern in Europe, where experts warn of the long-term consequences of the trade war. In Turkey, the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imomoglu raised international attention, but EU leaders have so far been conspicuously silent.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Fredriksen did not mince words in her criticism of the US's actions regarding Greenland.

- It is an unacceptable pressure being placed on both Greenland and Denmark in this situation. But it is a pressure that we will resist., she says to Danish TV2.

Express editorial staff describes the visit as contradictory - “both an escalation and a de-escalation” And pulls parallels to Russia's actionsn:

– Donald Trump's statements about Greenland echo uncomfortably with Putin's arguments for annexing Crimea and invading Ukraine.

The issue has also led to discussions about the role of Sweden and Europe. Gunnar Hökmark writes in Svenska Dagbladet and emphasizes the importance of norcooperation. The Nordic countries should establish a unified force solely for Greenland:

– It goes without saying that Europe and Sweden must clearly stand behind Greenland's freedom.

The EU should not turn its back on US trade policy

Donald Trump's ongoing trade war has continued to cause concern, especially in Europe. The debate about tariffs and their consequences has flared up, with several experts highlighting the risks. Anders Åkerman, professor of economics, is critical of the economic ideas underlying Trump's trade policy.

- It is important that free trade-friendly countries like Sweden continue their line. There will come a time when the countries of the world look forward again, and resume the dismantling of trade barriers., he writes in DN Debate.

Jonas Hellman argues i Svenska Dagbladet that the EU should act proactively and seek new trade partnerships elsewhere. Not least through the upcoming free trade agreement with India.

– The intention of the American trade moves was probably not to push other markets into each other's arms, but that still seems to have been the outcome, Hellman notes.

Turkey crack down on opposition and expressfreedom of spirit

The situation in Turkey has attracted significant international attention. Earlier this month, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, one of President Erdogan's main political rivals, was arrested. Following his arrest, major protests have erupted and in response large areas of Istanbul have been cordoned off.

SThe government has now banned political demonstrations and public protests, in conflict with the constitution, at the same time reporting Politico that X should have closed a row oppositional accounts. But the protests continue.

– […] as one of NATO’s strongest military powers, it is particularly bad timing in an already tense security situation – with Russia’s war of invasion in Ukraine and an unengaged US in Europe – that Erdogan is locking up his political opponents. And dividing the country, comments Southern Sweden editorial board.

I beginning of the week criticismar Today's News Jonas Gummesson the European leaders for their silence. Criticism has been directed at the arrest of Imamoglu, but according to GuNo demands have been made for the opposition leader to be released. Sweden stands “with a millstone around its neck” afterRegarding the agreements made with Turkey to allow us into NATO, he argues:

- For Erdogan, it suits him perfectly that Ekrem Imamoglu is locked up indefinitely, just as it does that European leaders are keeping their fingers crossed and silent.

This weekend it also became clear that Today's ETC journalist Joakim Medin imprisoned after he landed in Turkey to report on the protests. SSwedish jjournalister has hitout from behind Medin and called the government to use all diplomatic tools to get home colleague.

– It must be made clear that it is completely unacceptable to deprive Swedish journalists of their liberty who are simply doing their job of portraying, explaining and telling stories. And that Sweden as a country stands united behind these principles, writes among others other Karin Pettersson in Aftonbladet.