European leaders have hit out at US President Donald Trump’s latest tariff threat, warning that using trade penalties in relation to Greenland is “wrong” and could damage transatlantic relations.Trump on Saturday announced a 10% tariff on all goods entering the United States from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland, effective Feb. 1.
Following the threat, leaders across Europe have stressed that Greenland’s future cannot be controlled through economic pressure and have stressed that security cooperation in the Arctic should not turn into a trade dispute.British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking at the X, said that the situation in Greenland is not open to outside interference and criticized the use of tariffs against NATO partners. “Our position on Greenland is very clear – it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and its future is a matter for Greenlanders and Danes. We have also made clear that Arctic security matters to the whole of NATO and that Allies must do more together to address the threat from Russia in different parts of the Arctic.”He added, “It is completely wrong to impose tariffs on allies that threaten the collective security of NATO allies. We will certainly raise this issue directly with the U.S. administration.”French President Emmanuel Macron said France’s foreign policy is based on defending sovereignty and independence and warned that Europe will not bow to threats. “France is committed to the sovereignty and independence of nations in Europe and elsewhere… Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context. If confirmed, Europeans will respond in a united and coordinated manner. We will ensure that European sovereignty remains intact. It is in this spirit that I will join with our European partners.”Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Christerson also criticized the tariffs, saying Stockholm would not accept being “blackmailed” and called for a joint European response. “We will not allow ourselves to be blackmailed. Only Denmark and Greenland decide on issues concerning Denmark and Greenland.”He added, “I will always stand up for my country and our fellow neighbours. This is an EU issue that affects many more countries than those now being singled out. Sweden is now in intensive discussions with other EU countries, Norway and the United Kingdom for a coordinated response.”European Council President Antonio Costa said Europe and the wider international community must protect territorial integrity and sovereignty, warning that tariffs could lead to a dangerous escalation. “Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law. They are essential for Europe and the international community as a whole. We have consistently underlined our shared transatlantic interest in peace and security in the Arctic, including within NATO. The pre-coordinated Danish exercise, conducted with partners, responds to the need to strengthen Arctic security and poses no threat to anyone.”Costa also highlighted the bloc’s support for Denmark and Greenland. “The EU stands in full solidarity with the people of Denmark and Greenland. Dialogue remains essential, and we remain committed to moving forward the process started last week between the Kingdom of Denmark and the United States. Tariffs would weaken transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous deterioration. Europe will remain united, coordinated and committed to maintaining its sovereignty.“Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said Trump’s comments were unexpected and stressed that the purpose of the increased military presence in Greenland is not confrontation, but stability. “The purpose of the increased military presence in Greenland that the President mentioned is really to increase security in the Arctic,” he said. He said Denmark was coordinating closely with Brussels and other partners. “We are in close contact with the European Commission and our other partners on this matter,” Rasmussen said after recent White House talks between U.S. and Greenlandic officials.In Germany, European Parliament member Manfred Weber warned that Trump’s stance could block progress on an EU-US trade deal agreed last year. Weber said, “The EPP is in favor of an EU-US trade agreement, but given Donald Trump’s threats regarding Greenland, approval is not possible at this stage.”“0% tariffs on American products must be stopped.”The EU and the US agreed to a preliminary trade deal in July that would see most European exports subject to a 15% US tax, but negotiations are still ongoing and the future of the deal is now uncertain amid rising political tensions.