European leaders have pushed back against US President Donald Trump’s latest tariff threat, warning that using trade penalties in connection with Greenland is "wrong" and could damage transatlantic ties.
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 February 1.
After the threat, leaders across Europe have emphasised that Greenland’s future cannot be controlled through economic pressure and insisted that security cooperation in the Arctic must not be turned into a trade dispute.
British PM Keir Starmer took to X, saying that the status of Greenland was not open to outside interference and criticised 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 the Greenlanders and the Danes. We have also made clear that Arctic Security matters for the whole of Nato and allies should all do more together to address the threat from Russia across different parts of the Arctic."
He further added, "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."
French President Emmanuel Macron said that France’s foreign policy is based on defending sovereignty and independence and warned that Europe would not yield 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. Europeans will respond in a united and coordinated manner should they be confirmed. We will ensure that European sovereignty is upheld. It is in this spirit that I will engage with our European partners."
Sweden’s PM Ulf Kristersson also criticised the tariffs, saying that Stockholm would not accept getting "blackmailed" and called for a joint European response. "We will not let ourselves be blackmailed. Only Denmark and Greenland decide on issues concerning Denmark and Greenland."
He further added, "I will always stand up for my country, and for our allied neighbors. This is an EU issue that affects many more countries than those now being singled out. Sweden is now having intensive discussions with other EU countries, Norway, and the United Kingdom for a coordinated response."
European Council President Antonio Costa said that Europe and the wider international community must defend territorial integrity and sovereignty, warning that tariffs could spark a dangerous escalation. "Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law. They are essential for Europe and for the international community as a whole. We have consistently underlined our shared transatlantic interest in peace and security in the Arctic, including through Nato. The pre-coordinated Danish exercise, conducted with allies, responds to the need to strengthen Arctic security and poses no threat to anyone."
Costa further highlighted the bloc's support for Denmark and Greenland. "The EU stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. Dialogue remains essential, and we are committed to building on the process begun already last week between the Kingdom of Denmark and the US. Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty."
Denmark’s foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said Trump’s remarks were unexpected and insisted that the increased military presence in Greenland was aimed at stability, not confrontation. "The purpose of the increased military presence in Greenland, to which the president refers, is precisely to enhance security in the Arctic," he said, adding that Denmark was coordinating closely with Brussels and other partners.
"We are in close contact with the European Commission and our other partners on the matter," Rasmussen added, following recent White House talks involving US and Greenlandic officials.
In Germany, European Parliament member Manfred Weber warned that Trump’s stance could block progress on the EU–US trade deal agreed last year. "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 said.
"The 0% tariffs on US products must be put on hold."
The EU and the US agreed to a preliminary trade deal in July under which most European exports would face a 15% US tax, but talks are still ongoing and the deal’s future is now uncertain amid rising political tensions.