EU Leaders Unite Against Pressure
European leaders have vowed to stand firm after US President Donald Trump threatened new tariffs unless Denmark agrees to sell Greenland, a move that could spark a major trade dispute and strain transatlantic ties. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz all pledged that the EU would remain “united, coordinated and committed” in defending its sovereignty.
Trump announced via social media that products from Denmark, Sweden, Norway, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and the UK would face an extra 10% tariff starting February 1, potentially rising to 25% by June, until Greenland is “completely and totally” transferred to the United States.
Rising Tensions Over Arctic Security
The dispute comes after several European countries launched a joint mission to Greenland, aimed at strengthening Arctic security. The US has argued that Greenland is critical to its national security and that Europe cannot adequately protect it, a claim rejected by Danish officials who stressed the mission was strictly for cooperation. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called the US reaction “surprising” and emphasized the effort was meant to enhance regional security.
French President Macron and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson both condemned the threats, stressing Europe would not be intimidated. “No intimidation or threat will influence us,” Macron said, while Kristersson added, “We will not allow ourselves to be blackmailed.”
Calls to Activate Europe’s Trade “Bazooka”
The latest escalation has renewed calls within the EU to deploy its anti-coercion trade mechanism, a tool designed to retaliate against countries using economic pressure for political gain. Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s trade committee, said normal trade cannot continue under political coercion and urged suspension of tariff reductions on US goods.
Manfred Weber, head of the European People’s Party, called for freezing the EU-US trade deal entirely until the Greenland dispute is resolved, warning that Washington’s threats crossed a new line. As tensions mount, Europe faces a critical test of unity and resolve in the face of escalating pressure from the United States.
