European leaders have strongly criticised US President Donald Trump after he threatened to impose tariffs on European countries over their refusal to support his push for the United States to take control of Greenland, warning that the move could seriously damage transatlantic relations.
Several European nations, including Denmark — which oversees Greenland as an autonomous territory — said they are united in rejecting Trump’s demand. The US president had warned on Saturday that he would impose tariffs of up to 25 per cent on European goods unless Greenland is ceded to the United States.
In a joint statement, Britain, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden warned that tariff threats would only weaken long-standing ties. They cautioned that such actions risk triggering a dangerous cycle of retaliation that could spiral into a wider trade conflict.
The European Union has since called an emergency meeting of its ambassadors in Brussels. This comes despite the EU recently reaching a deal with Washington in July, under which most European exports would face a 15 per cent US levy.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron is reportedly prepared to push the EU to activate its rarely used “anti-coercion instrument” if Trump follows through on his threat. The measure, often described as the EU’s trade “bazooka,” would allow the bloc to restrict imports of goods and services into its massive single market of 27 countries.
Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland since returning to office for a second term, arguing that the move is necessary for US national security. His stance has grown more aggressive in recent weeks, particularly after a controversial US military operation in Venezuela earlier this month.
The US administration has claimed that Denmark would be unable to defend Greenland in the event of a Russian or Chinese incursion. In response, Denmark and several European NATO allies recently deployed small numbers of troops to Greenland for a military exercise, which the United States was also invited to observe.
Public opposition to Trump’s stance has also grown. Over the weekend, thousands of people protested in both Greenland and Denmark, making it clear they do not want the Arctic island to come under US control. Some demonstrators wore caps reading “Make America Go Away,” a pointed twist on Trump’s famous campaign slogan.
Despite the backlash, Trump doubled down, announcing plans to impose 10 per cent tariffs on goods from several European countries starting February 1. He said the tariffs would rise to 25 per cent from June 1 unless a deal is reached for what he described as the “complete and total purchase of Greenland.”
Even some of Trump’s European allies have expressed concern. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the proposed tariffs as a mistake, revealing she had spoken directly with Trump to share her views. Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel went further, calling the threat an “inexplicable” act of blackmail.
In Britain, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to raise the issue with Trump as soon as possible. UK culture minister Lisa Nandy described the tariff threat as wrong, unhelpful and counterproductive, stressing that London has not hesitated to make its position clear.
Fears of a trade war are growing across Europe. France’s Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard warned that higher tariffs would hurt the United States as much as Europe, particularly American farmers and industrial producers. Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store echoed similar concerns, urging restraint to prevent a trade conflict in which no one would benefit.
Amid the mounting pressure, Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen announced plans to visit Norway, Britain and Sweden to discuss NATO’s Arctic security strategy, signalling that Greenland’s future has now become a major diplomatic and security issue within the alliance.
