No intimidation or threat will influence us: European leaders respond forcefully to Trump's tariffs on Greenland
Some of the main European capitals have immediately shown their opposition to Trump's latest threat
Donald Trump's announcement that he will impose tariffs on a group of European countries for their opposition to his plans to annex Greenland has triggered A wave of rejection has erupted among the main leaders of the Old Continent. The President of the United States this Saturday on the social network Truth that Denmark, which includes Greenland, the United Kingdom, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, and France will be subject to a 10% tariff on their exports to the United States starting February 1st. This tariff will remain in effect until the US reaches an agreement for the complete acquisition of Greenland and will rise to 25% starting June 1st if a solution is not reached before then. Trump's announcement has received a swift negative response in various European capitals. In France, President Emmanuel Macron said that his country remains committed to the "sovereignty and independence of nations" and asserted in a message on X that "no intimidation or threat will influence us." Macron promised that "Europeans will respond in a united and coordinated manner" to the tariffs "if they are confirmed."
“We will ensure that European sovereignty is respected,” he proclaimed.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described Trump's threat as “completely misguided” and stressed: “Our position on Greenland is very clear: it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and its future is a matter for Greenlanders and Danes.”
Starmer admitted that NATO countries must “all do more” to address Arctic security, but rejected the imposition of tariffs and stated that he would raise the differences with the US government.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stated that “the president's statement came as a surprise” after the “constructive meeting” he held a few days ago in Washington with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
“We agree with the United States that we need to do more; it is no longer a tension-free zone.That is why we and NATO allies are accelerating in full transparency with our American allies,” the Danish minister added.
Sweden responded with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who told mentioned.”
Stockholm, the prime minister said, is in talks with other EU countries, the UK, and Norway to give a “collective response” to Trump's announcement.
The President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, with whom Trump has occasionally played golf, said that “among allies, issues are resolved through discussion, not through pressure.”
And Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said that “threats have no place among allies” and “Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark.”
Response from EU institutions
In a joint letter, Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, affirmed that “the European Union stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland” and reiterated that “territorial integrity and are fundamental sovereignty principles of international law.”
The heads of the two main institutions of the European Union expressed their support for the dialogue initiated. this week with the visit of a Danish and Greenlandic delegation to Washington.
“Dialogue remains essential, and we are committed to contributing to the process that began this week between the United States and the Kingdom of Denmark.”