Alarmed by US President Donald Trump’s threats to impose from February a tariff of 10 per cent on eight European Union (EU) countries that oppose his bid to control Greenland, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said tariffs undermine “transatlantic relations” and “risk a dangerous downward spiral”.
Extending solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland, she pushed for dialogue to resolve the disagreement between NATO allies – a first in world politics.
“The EU stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. Dialogue remains essential, and we are committed to building on the process begun already last week between the Kingdom of Denmark and the US,” she said in a post on X.
“Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty,” she added.
EU has also called for an emergency meeting on Sunday to discuss the proposed tariffs, a French news media outlet reported, citing an official.
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and French President, Emmanuel Macron, also criticised Trump’s endeavour and vowed a response. He posted on X, saying UK’s position on Greenland – that it is a part of the Kingdom of Denmark – remains unchanged. He stressed that the arctic country’s future is solely a matter for its people and the Danish government.
“Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is completely wrong. London has made clear that Arctic security matters for the whole of NATO,” he wrote on X.
Macron described the tariff threats as “unacceptable” and said they called for a united and coordinated response to the US. “France is committed to the sovereignty and independence of nations, in Europe and elsewhere. No intimidation or threat will influence us – neither in Ukraine, nor in Greenland, nor anywhere else in the world,” he wrote on X.
“Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context. The EU’s response will be coordinated, and we will ensure the EU’s sovereignty is upheld,” he added, saying they “fully assume this decision, because security in the Arctic and at the outer edges of our Europe is at stake”.
Swedish Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, also expressed his displeasure, saying, they “will not let ourselves be blackmailed”. A similar stance has been adopted by Finland’s President, Alexander Stubb, who denounced tariff “pressure” and said it “could lead to a harmful spiral”.
Also Read: Trump threatens 10% tariff on eight European nations
Trump on Saturday (local time) threatened to impose 10 per cent tariffs from February 1 on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland, unless they agree to sell Greenland to the US.
In a post on Truth Social, the US President claimed the move is necessary for national security, citing China’s and Russia’s interest in the territory. He’s offering to negotiate but warns of escalating tariffs: 10 per cent from February 1, 2026, and 25 per cent from June 1, 2026.
“Starting on February 1st, 2026, all of the above mentioned Countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Finland), will be charged a 10% Tariff on any and all goods sent to the United States of America. On June 1st, 2026, the Tariff will be increased to 25%. This Tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland,” Trump posted.
Denmark and the EU countries are in no mood to relent, with Ursula von der Leyen remaining committed to upholding international law and ensuring the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Denmark.
“Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law. They are essential for Europe and for the international community as a whole. We have consistently underlined our shared transatlantic interest in peace and security in the Arctic, including through NATO,” she said.
However, she also clarified that the recent deployment of troops in Greenland by EU countries is part of a pre-coordinated Danish exercise and “poses no threat to anyone”.
Trump has been adamant about acquiring Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, saying its strategic location and mineral resources are vital to its security, but Denmark and Greenland’s leaders have rejected the idea, emphasising their right to self-determination.
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