European Union and U.S. President Donald Trump has further exacerbated these tensions with his recent, incendiary actions. He threatened to impose a 10% tariff on goods exported to the United Kingdom and seven other NATO countries unless they accept a U.S. acquisition of Greenland from Denmark. The increase is scheduled to begin on February 1, rising to 25% on June 1. This controversial move has drawn immediate ire from European leaders that have quickly coalesced around defense of Greenland’s sovereignty.
Trump’s announcement identifies Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland as the countries in question. So it’s no surprise that he plans to proceed with the tariffs. He thinks Europe should focus on solving its current territorial disputes rather than working out territorial claims over Greenland.
“Europe ought to focus on the war with Russia and Ukraine because, frankly, you see what that’s gotten them… That’s what Europe should focus on – not Greenland.” – Donald Trump
Striking back against the tariff threat, Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen fired back with a blistering denunciation of the U.S. behavior. He insisted that conversation is much better than coercion. He even claimed that such intimidating tariffs will not bring anyone closer to their ownership of Greenland.
“You can’t threaten your way to ownership of Greenland. I have no intention of escalating this situation.” – Lars Løkke Rasmussen
Our European allies have already lined up with demonstrable support for Greenland, an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. In a powerful symbolic gesture, some NATO countries have placed troops on the island, thereby reaffirming their commitment to its sovereignty. Norway has joined Denmark’s side fully in this conflict, so that’s not very surprising.
The EU’s Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas reiterated the bloc’s position, stating that they have “no interest to pick a fight,” they will steadfastly defend their interests. Kallas further stressed that trade threats are not a long-term solution for easing tensions over Greenland.
“We will hold our ground.” – Kaja Kallas
Denmark sounds the alarm. They threaten that if the United States moves militarily against Greenland, it endangers NATO’s very existence. This urgent warning shows the immediate dangers of war that Trump’s tariff threats could escalate into. It highlights the tenuous nature of bilateral diplomacy between these allied countries.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper appeared to defiantly assert the UK’s claim to Greenland. She reiterated that the territory’s fate should be decided only by its people and Denmark.
While we’re waiting to see the impacts of his tariffs, tensions are flaring even higher. How will these tariffs affect the United States’ diplomatic relations with its NATO allies? The short-sighted regulatory scramble also affects more than just trade. It affects national security and our alliances during current and continuing global conflict.