European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that U.S. threats to slap tariffs on Greenland could strain trans-Atlantic ties. She said such tariffs would damage the special relationship and invite a dangerous downward spiral, while insisting Europe would remain united, coordinated, and true to its sovereignty.
On X, she reiterated that the integrity of territories is a bedrock principle of international law and voiced support for Denmark and Greenland, describing them as allies conducting a pre-coordinated Arctic security exercise that isn’t aimed at anyone.
Soon after, other European leaders weighed in.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz underlined the fact that Denmark and Greenland are members of NATO, and such questions ought to be resolved among allies in concert with the United States. Greenland, he said, belongs to its people.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer blasted the tariff decision as ‘completely wrong’. He believed that policy like that should be a matter to decide between the Greenlandic people themselves and the Danish government, not unilaterally.
The Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called the tariffing surprise, underlining how the Copenhagen initiative emphasizes Arctic security cooperation, and highlighting that the Danish-led group has prepared the partners. He spoke on X.
French President Emmanuel Macron called the tariff threat unacceptable, assuring that no intimidation will affect Europe and its stand on Greenland. Macron posted on X that Europe will take a unified action in response, should the case be confirmed.
The reaction came after President Donald Trump announced that the United States would apply new tariffs on imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland. The plan started at 10% on February 1, 2026, rising to 25% on June 1, and remaining in place until a comprehensive deal to buy Greenland is reached.
Trump framed it as a national security issue, explaining that Greenland is of strategic importance and that China and Russia have sought to increase their influence on the island.
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