Europe unites in protest after Trump threatens tariffs over Greenland

Donald Trump threatened to impose 10% tariffs on eight NATO states for sending troops to support Greenland’s sovereignty, prompting a wave of condemnation from European leaders. Greenland, with a population of fewer than 57,000, has become the focal point of a transatlantic dispute that critics say could strain the western alliance.

European figures denounced what they called blackmail and intimidation. Rasmus Jarlov, chair of the Danish parliament’s defence committee, said: “Every insult, threat, tariff and lie that we receive strengthens our resolve. The answer from Denmark and Greenland is final: We will never hand over Greenland.” Even leaders close to Trump, such as Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, reportedly called the decision a mistake.

The eight targeted countries issued a joint statement that made no threat of retaliation but warned the move risked “a dangerous downward spiral” and said a trade war was likely. France’s president, Emmanuel Macron, is exploring activation of the EU’s anti-coercion instrument and will raise questions about the validity of the EU‑US tariff agreement concluded in 2025.

The UK’s prime minister, Keir Starmer, has not said whether the UK will retaliate; his trade agreement with the US has not been signed and its indefinite postponement is said to risk weakening his position.

Key Topics

Politics, Donald Trump, Greenland, Nato, Denmark, Eu Anti-coercion Instrument