European leaders have stood in solidarity with Denmark and Greenland as United States President Donald Trump threatens to impose tariffs if Greenland isn’t sold to the U.S.
This would see tariffs increase to 10% as of 1 February for Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland, the U.S. president said on Truth Social.
These tariffs could shoot up to 25% on 1 June, Trump said.
“Starting on February 1st, 2026, all of the above mentioned Countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland), will be charged a 10% Tariff on any and all goods sent to the United States of America,” Trump said.
“The United States of America is immediately open to negotiation with Denmark and/or any of these Countries that have put so much at risk, despite all that we have done for them, including maximum protection, over so many decades.”
In response, the eight European allies hit back at the ultimatum, calling it “completely wrong” and unacceptable.
In a post to X, French President Emmanuel Macron said the country will not be influenced by “intimidation or threat”.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Costa also said the EU “stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland” in a statement.
“Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty,” they said.
NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, said he has already spoken to Trump about the issue.
“Spoke with @POTUS regarding the security situation in Greenland and the Arctic. We will continue working on this, and I look forward to seeing him in Davos later this week,” he said in a post to X.
According to Reuters, the European Union called an emergency meeting.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who, alongside U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is known to have a good relationship with Trump, called for cool heads and further talks.
He also warned that further tariffs on top of already existing import taxes would be damaging.
“Among allies, issues are best resolved through discussion, not through pressure,” he said on X.
