EU Threatens Countermeasures Over Trump Greenland Tariff Threat
Trump announced Saturday that Washington would levy 10% import duties starting Feb. 1 against Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland, escalating to 25% by June absent agreement on what he termed the "complete and total purchase of Greenland."
The tariff ultimatum sparked immediate pushback across the continent, with European officials stressing collective action, territorial rights, and willingness to strike back.
The eight nations facing proposed US duties released a collective declaration condemning Washington's threat while reasserting their dedication to Arctic defense, sovereign authority, and established international legal frameworks.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot stated the EU must respond "firmly, unitedly and proportionately" to what he characterized as US pressure bordering on coercion, cautioning that Europe cannot accept "humiliation."
Prevot indicated Brussels should consider deploying its anti-coercion instrument—a suite of economic countermeasures frequently dubbed the bloc's "bazooka"—which remains unused since its creation.
European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen cautioned that tariffs would damage transatlantic partnerships and risk a "dangerous downward spiral," emphasizing Brussels stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland.
"Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law," they stated, confirming the bloc's commitment to a coordinated response.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas argued internal discord among allies only serves adversaries. "China and Russia must be having a field day," she declared via US social media company X, cautioning that tariffs would impoverish both Europe and the US while diverting attention from the shared goal of ending the war in Ukraine.
'No intimidation or threat' influences Europe
French President Emmanuel Macron declared "no intimidation or threat" would influence Europe, reaffirming France's commitment to sovereignty and international law.
"Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context," Macron stated, adding that Europeans would respond in a united and coordinated manner if the measures are confirmed.
German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius indicated Berlin would coordinate closely with European partners, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz cautioned that the US is abandoning a rules-based international order toward power-driven politics, urging Europe to assert itself.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni characterized the US tariff threat as a "mistake," emphasizing the necessity to resume dialogue and avoid escalation.
Meloni clarified that European military deployments to Greenland should not be interpreted as actions directed against the US, but rather as efforts to strengthen Arctic security against other actors.
Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris branded the tariff threat "completely unacceptable," declaring Europe would stand united and coordinated in its response.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared applying tariffs on allies is "completely wrong," while Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson vowed Europe would not yield to "blackmail."
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store insisted "threats have no place" among allies, and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo cautioned that tariffs would harm both sides.
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