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Europe Slams Trump’s Greenland Tariff Threats, Warns of Tensions
European leaders slam Trump’s threat to impose tariffs over Greenland, calling it “unacceptable” and vowing a united response to defend sovereignty.
ND
by News Desk
2026-01-19
Europe Slams Trump’s Greenland Tariff Threats, Warns of Tensions

European leaders have strongly condemned United States President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on countries resisting his bid to take over Greenland, warning that such actions could trigger a “dangerous downward spiral” in transatlantic relations.

In a joint statement issued on Sunday, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom expressed full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland, a semiautonomous Danish territory.

“Building on the process begun last week, we stand ready to engage in a dialogue based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that we stand firmly behind,” the statement said. “Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a news conference on Monday, denouncing the use of tariffs against allies as “completely wrong.” Starmer added that trade wars were in nobody’s interest and urged Trump to resolve matters “rooted in partnership, facts and mutual respect.” He emphasized that the UK would defend international law while keeping dialogue open with the US.

Germany also voiced firm opposition. Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil said Europe was preparing countermeasures in response to Trump’s “blackmail,” while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas met with Danish and Greenlandic officials in Brussels to discuss coordinated responses.

European Council President Antonio Costa stressed the bloc’s unity in defending national sovereignty, ahead of emergency meetings of EU member states. Among the potential measures discussed were retaliatory tariffs on US goods and activating the EU’s Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI), a mechanism allowing sweeping restrictions on investments and withdrawal of intellectual property protections for foreign firms, which has never before been used.

Trump’s announcement on Saturday set a 10 percent tariff from February 1, rising to 25 percent from June 1, on the eight targeted countries until a deal was reached for the US to acquire Greenland. Trump has also suggested military options to seize the island, citing concerns over Russian threats.

Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected the US proposal. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed gratitude for European support, emphasizing that Denmark seeks cooperation, not conflict. Similarly, French President Emmanuel Macron said “no intimidation or threat” would sway France’s position, describing tariff threats as “unacceptable.”

Public sentiment in Greenland mirrors official opposition, with polls showing the majority of the island’s 57,000 residents oppose US ownership. On Saturday, thousands protested in Danish cities, chanting “Greenland is not for sale” and demanding an end to external pressure.

Trump reiterated his determination to acquire Greenland in a post on Truth Social, claiming Denmark had failed to address Russian threats and declaring, “Now it is time, and it will be done!!!”

The escalating dispute has raised concerns that US-European relations could reach their lowest point in decades, threatening the cohesion of NATO and other transatlantic partnerships built on mutual respect and alliance solidarity.
Tagged:

Europe

USPolitics

DonaldTrump

Greenland

TransatlanticRelations
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