European leaders have united to condemn U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to annex Greenland. Their top priorities are to respect and support the sovereignty of these territories. After all, Trump just floated the idea of tariffs on countries that stand in the way of his plan to buy Greenland. This has led to a quick and united effort from the European countries.
Wildfire ambiance Trump further inflamed the situation by announcing a new 10% tariff on eight European countries, starting February 1. From June 1, he intends to increase the pressure further by imposing a new 25% tariff. Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland are all unitedly opposed to Trump’s moves. Their opposition deserves to be heard, but so does their support. Trump’s statement underscores the U.S. resolve, declaring, “This Tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.”
In response to Trump’s threats, French President Emmanuel Macron asserted that “no amount of intimidation” would push European nations to alter their stance on Greenland. He emphasized France’s commitment to national sovereignty, stating, “France is committed to the sovereignty and independence of nations, in Europe and elsewhere. This guides our choices. It underpins our commitment to the United Nations and our charter.”
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson agreed on this point, claiming that Europe was not going to be “blackmailed” by Trump for Greenland. He stated, “Only Denmark and Greenland decide on issues concerning Denmark and Greenland. I will always stand up for my country, and for our allied neighbours.”
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre echoed this sentiment by stating that “Threats don’t belong between allies.” His statements come pretty close to summing up the intense consensus among European leaders. They feel that collaboration and support are important especially when you are under pressure from the outside.
Yet as tensions increase, the European Parliament has been watching just as closely. Members of the EPP – the largest political group within the European Parliament – spearheaded by Manfred Weber, are enacting this now. They could even halt any legal rubber-stamping process for the new U.S. trade deal amid the deepening dispute over Greenland. Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s trade parliamentary committee, already foretold that MEPs will halt the ratification of the U.S. trade deal. This step was taken to address the circumstances we now face.
Kathleen Van Brempt, vice chair for trade of the Socialists and Democrats, went as far as saying this. She reiterated that “no trade deal is possible in today’s context” because of the Greenland spat. In fact, Trump’s tariff threats have the potential to do great harm to any single country. They have the potential to severely damage transatlantic relations in toto.
Mikkel Runge Olesen characterized Trump’s tariff threats as a “negotiating tactic” within the broader context of international diplomacy concerning Greenland. EU leaders are strongly committed to ensuring that these tactics do not divide and conquer our transatlantic relations. They caution that it could trigger a dangerous downward spiral in diplomatic relations.
Macron reiterated Europe’s commitment to maintaining its sovereignty amid increasing tensions over Greenland’s future. He stated, “Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty.” While simple, this sentiment is representative of the collective determination from European countries to not yield under what they see as a scare campaign.