EU Pushes Back as Trump Threatens Tariffs Over Greenland Dispute

European leaders have issued strong statements after former US president Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on European countries opposing his stated intention to take over Greenland, a move that has been sharply criticised, leading to escalated tensions across the Atlantic.

Trump announced on Saturday that the United States would impose 10% tariffs on imports from eight European countries starting February 1, 2025, rising to 25% from June 1, 2025.

The countries targeted are Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland, all of which have been vocal in rejecting Trump’s Greenland ambitions.

“This Tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland,” Trump said on Truth Social.

Macron: “No intimidation or threats will influence us”

French President Emmanuel Macron was among the first leaders to react, calling the tariff threats “unacceptable” and warning that “no amount of intimidation” would cause Europe to change its position on Greenland.

“France is committed to the sovereignty and independence of nations, in Europe and elsewhere.

This guides our choices.

It underpins our commitment to the United Nations and our charter,” Macron said.

He stressed that Europe’s stance on Greenland was rooted in international law and collective security, noting Denmark’s role as an EU and Nato member.

“It is for this reason that we support and will continue to support Ukraine, and that we have built a coalition of the willing for robust and lasting peace, to defend these principles and our security,” he added.

Macron also confirmed France’s participation in a Danish-led exercise in Greenland.

“It is also for this reason that we have decided to join the exercise decided by Denmark in Greenland.

We stand by this decision, not least because it concerns security in the Arctic and at the borders of Europe.

“No intimidation or threats will influence us, whether in Ukraine, Greenland or anywhere else in the world, when we are faced with such situations.”

Nordic Leaders Warn Against “Blackmail”

Sweden and Norway echoed Macron’s message, warning that Trump’s approach risked damaging alliances.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said,“We will not allow ourselves to be blackmailed.

Only Denmark and Greenland decide on issues concerning Denmark and Greenland.

I will always stand up for my country, and for our allied neighbours.”

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre was equally blunt, saying “threats have no place among allies”.

EU leaders: Tariffs Risk a Dangerous Downward Spiral

In a joint statement, the president of the European Council, António Costa, and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen underlined the EU’s unity and warned of the broader consequences of the tariff threats.

They said they had “consistently underlined” the “shared transatlantic interest in peace and security in the Arctic, including through Nato”.

“Dialogue remains essential,” the statement read.

“Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral.

Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty.”

EU ambassadors are expected to meet for an emergency session on Sunday 18,2025, to discuss the response.

Trade deal with US thrown into doubt

Trump’s comments have also put the EU-US tariff deal, agreed last August at Trump’s Scottish golf course, in serious jeopardy.

The agreement has not yet been ratified by the European Parliament.

Manfred Weber, leader of the European People’s Party (EPP), the largest voting bloc in the parliament, said the ratification process would likely be paused.

“They would have to pause the legal rubber-stamping process,” Weber said.

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German MEP Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s trade committee, said it was impossible to continue as normal.

“In view of the threat of imposing an additional 10% tariff from 1 February, I cannot imagine that we will continue business as usual, and I assume that we will suspend our continued work,” Lange said.

He added: “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.

The 0% tariffs on US products must be put on hold.”

The second-largest bloc, the Socialists and Democrats, also withdrew support, with its vice-president for trade, Kathleen Van Brempt, saying there could be “no trade deal under the given circumstances”.

Greenland, Troops and a Negotiating tactic?

European leaders were in Paraguay to sign what has been described as their biggest trade deal ever, with the Mercosur alliance, when Trump’s remarks surfaced, reportedly catching them by surprise.

Some analysts believe the tariff threats are linked to European military deployments to Greenland.

“I think it is a reaction to the European troops going to Greenland, because if you look at the tariffs they match the countries that sent troops,” one source told Sky News.

“We are never going to see American troops on the ground in Greenland; this is a negotiating tactic.”

Mixed reaction within the United States

Within the US, Trump’s position has drawn scepticism.

A congressional delegation visiting Denmark, largely made up of Democrats but including moderate Republicans, questioned the idea of acquiring Greenland.

“There are legitimate reasons for us to explore ways to invest better in Arctic security broadly, both in the American Arctic and in our Nato partners,” said Senator Chris Coons.

However, US ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz defended Trump’s stance, arguing that Greenland would benefit from US control.

He said the lives of Greenlanders would be “safer, stronger and more prosperous under the umbrella of the United States”, adding that Denmark “just doesn’t have the resources or the capacity to do what needs to be done in the northern region”.

As tensions rise, European leaders have made clear that Greenland’s future will not be decided through threats or tariffs, but through international law, dialogue and respect for sovereignty.

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