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President Donald Trump’s threat to impose new tariffs on eight allied nations opposing his proposed acquisition of Greenland has sparked widespread condemnation from European leaders.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer denounced the move as “completely wrong,” while French President Emmanuel Macron deemed it “unacceptable.”
These statements followed Trump’s announcement of a 10% tariff on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland, set to take effect on February 1st. He indicated that this could later increase to 25% and would remain in place until an agreement is reached.
Mr. Trump maintains that the autonomous Danish territory is crucial for U.S. security and has not dismissed the possibility of acquiring it by force.
Over the weekend, thousands of individuals participated in protests in Greenland and Denmark, opposing the proposed U.S. takeover.
Despite its sparse population, Greenland is rich in resources, and its strategic location between North America and the Arctic makes it ideal for early warning systems against missile attacks and for monitoring maritime activity in the region.
Trump has previously stated that Washington would acquire the territory “the easy way” or “the hard way.”
European nations have voiced their support for Denmark, asserting that the security of the Arctic region should be a shared responsibility within NATO.
France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, and the UK have deployed a limited number of troops to Greenland for what they describe as a reconnaissance mission.
Announcing the new tariffs via his Truth Social platform on Saturday, Trump claimed that these countries were engaging in “a very dangerous game.” He asserted that the “Safety, Security, and Survival of our Planet” were at stake.
He stated that the proposed 10% levy on goods exported to the U.S., scheduled to begin next month, would increase to 25% in June and remain “payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.”
In response, Mr. Starmer stated, “Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of Nato allies is completely wrong. We will of course be pursuing this directly with the US administration.”
Emmanuel Macron of France declared, “Tariff threats are unacceptable in this context… We will not be swayed by any intimidation.”
Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson asserted, “We won’t let ourselves be blackmailed.”
He added, “Sweden is currently having intensive discussions with other EU countries, Norway and the United Kingdom to find a joint response.”
European Council President Antonio Costa affirmed, “The European Union will always be very firm in defending international law… which of course begins within the territory of the member states of the European Union.”
Denmark’s foreign minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, expressed that the threat had “come as a surprise.”
Meanwhile, German MEP Manfred Weber, leader of the conservative EPP group in the European Parliament, suggested that Trump’s action raised questions about the yet-to-be-ratified EU-US trade agreement negotiated the previous year.
Brussels and Washington had reached a deal that stipulated a U.S. tariff of 15% on all EU goods, with the 27-member bloc opening its markets to U.S. exporters with 0% tariffs on select products.
“The EPP is in favour of the EU-US trade deal, but given Donald Trump’s threats regarding Greenland, approval is not possible at this stage,” Weber posted on X. “The 0% tariffs on US products must be put on hold,” he added.
However, U.S. ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, argued that Denmark “just doesn’t have the resources or the capacity to do what needs to be done in the northern region.”
Speaking on Fox News, he claimed that the lives of Greenlanders would be “safer, stronger and more prosperous under the umbrella of the United States.”
Trump has frequently stated that “tariff” is his favorite word, and he has indicated that he views it as a tool to persuade – or compel – countries to align their policies with the White House’s objectives.
However, his recent announcement marks a significant escalation in his renewed push to acquire Greenland, despite their opposition.
The immediate impetus for the tariff announcement remains unclear, although Trump first hinted at it while speaking to reporters at the White House on Friday.
While he has repeatedly stated in recent weeks that various options – including the potential use of military force – remain under consideration, the announcement follows just days after U.S. and Danish officials agreed to establish a high-level working group to discuss the future of the island.
In Washington’s diplomatic and political circles, the announcement of the working group was seen as a positive development for Denmark and its European allies – one that would, at the very least, postpone any decision or further escalation from the White House.
Instead, the latest tariffs have introduced a renewed sense of urgency to the issue and strained relations with key NATO allies and trading partners.
Opinion polls suggest that 85% of Greenlanders are opposed to the territory joining the U.S.
Demonstrations against Trump’s takeover plans were held in Danish cities as well as in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, on Saturday – before the tariff announcement.
In the Danish capital, Copenhagen, placards were held up reading: “Hands Off Greenland” and “Greenland for Greenlanders”.
“We demand respect for the Danish Realm and for Greenland’s right to self-determination,” said Camilla Siezing, heads of Inuit, an umbrella group of Greenlandic associations.
In Nuuk, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen joined protesters holding signs reading “Greenland is not for sale” and “we shape our future” as they headed for the US consulate.
The rallies coincide with a visit to Copenhagen by a delegation from the US Congress. Its leader, Democratic Senator Chris Coons, described Mr Trump’s rhetoric as “not constructive”.
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