EU Leaders Issue Strong Warning to Trump Over Greenland Tariff Threats
European Union leaders delivered a sharp warning to US President Donald Trump on Saturday. They cautioned him against using tariffs as leverage in his attempt to acquire Greenland. The leaders stressed that such aggressive measures could cause severe damage to transatlantic relations.
Trump Announces Tariffs on Multiple European Nations
This warning comes directly after Trump made a significant announcement. He stated that starting February 1, several European countries would face new tariffs. Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland would all see a 10 percent tariff on all goods they export to the United States.
Denmark's Foreign Minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, expressed surprise at Trump's comments. He emphasized that Greenland's security posture already supports broader stability in the Arctic region. Rasmussen clarified the purpose of the increased military presence there.
"The purpose of the increased military presence in Greenland, to which the president refers, is precisely to enhance security in the Arctic," Rasmussen stated in an official communication sent to AFP.
European Unity and Coordination in Response
Rasmussen confirmed that Copenhagen is working closely with Brussels and other international partners on this sensitive issue. "We are in close contact with the European Commission and our other partners on the matter," he said. This coordination follows recent high-level talks at the White House involving US and Greenlandic officials.
At the highest EU level, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa issued a powerful joint statement. They responded just hours after Trump threatened even higher tariffs of up to 25 percent on multiple European nations.
"Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral," they wrote in a social media post. "Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty."
The statement offered full support to Denmark and Greenland. "The EU stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland," it declared. The leaders emphasized that dialogue remains essential. They expressed commitment to building on the diplomatic process that began the previous week between Denmark and the US.
Major Trade Deal Now in Jeopardy
In Germany, a senior European Parliament member issued a stark warning about the broader consequences. Manfred Weber, who heads the European People's Party, cautioned that Trump's latest remarks could completely derail the EU-US trade deal agreed upon just last year.
"The EPP is in favour of the EU–U.S. trade deal, but given Donald Trump's threats regarding Greenland, approval is not possible at this stage," Weber stated in a post on X. He called for immediate action, adding, "The 0% tariffs on U.S. products must be put on hold."
This trade agreement represents a critical economic partnership. Brussels and Washington reached a preliminary agreement in July. Under its terms, most EU exports would face a 15 percent US levy. However, negotiations for further concessions continue. The future of this entire deal now appears uncertain as political tensions rise dramatically over the Greenland issue.
The situation highlights how a territorial ambition can quickly escalate into a major international trade dispute. European leaders are presenting a united front, demonstrating their readiness to protect both their sovereignty and their economic interests against what they perceive as coercive tactics.
