Trump threatens 10% tariffs over Greenland as Europeans condemn pressure

Greater than half a dozen European international locations warned in a joint assertion Sunday that tariff threats over Greenland are undermining transatlantic ties, because the White Home tries to stress allies right into a deal to amass the Arctic island.

The assertion, issued by Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK, stated the international locations stay dedicated to strengthening safety within the Arctic and are keen to interact in a dialogue primarily based on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and danger a harmful downward spiral. We are going to stay united and coordinated in our response,” the assertion stated partly. “We’re decided to keep up our sovereignty.”

Members of the North Atlantic Treaty Group (NATO) additionally stated they “stand in full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the individuals of Greenland.”

JOHNSON: ‘NO BOOTS ON THE GROUND’ FOR TRUMP’S GREENLAND TAKEOVER PLANS AMID MILITARY SPECULATION

Troopers cross the Arktisk Kommando, the Arctic Command of the Danish Armed Forces, in Nuuk, Greenland on January 15, 2026. (Julia Wäschenbach/photograph alliance through Getty Pictures)

The assertion comes after President Donald Trump threatened on his Fact Social platform to impose a ten% tariff on the eight international locations until a deal is reached on what he known as the “full and whole buy of Greenland.”

Trump stated the ten% charge would take impact on February 2 and will rise to 25% on June 1.

European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned Trump’s submit on social media on Saturday.

Kristersson wrote on X that allies wouldn’t be “blackmailed.”

“Solely Denmark and Greenland determine on points that concern Denmark and Greenland,” he stated, including that different European Union (EU) international locations have been discussing a coordinated response.

Younger individuals carry indicators that say “Greenland isn’t on the market!” throughout a big protest towards President Donald Trump’s proposal to amass Greenland, close to the U.S. Consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, on January 17, 2026. (Alessandro Rampazzo/AFP through Getty Pictures)

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s prime diplomat, additionally expressed concern about Trump’s feedback, warning that Russia and China have been “having an excellent day” and will benefit from divisions inside NATO.

“If Greenland’s safety is in danger, we are able to deal with it inside NATO. Tariffs threaten to make Europe and america poorer and undermine our shared prosperity,” she stated. “We additionally can’t permit our dispute to distract us from our core process: serving to finish Russia’s battle towards Ukraine.”

Trump has repeatedly stated america wants Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, for “nationwide safety” functions.

Greenland’s wealth of pure sources has additionally lengthy had strategic significance, in keeping with the Heart for Strategic and Worldwide Research January reportnoting that the world is wealthy in iron ore, graphite, tungsten, palladium, vanadium, zinc, gold, uranium, copper and oil.

TRUMP KNOWS REAL ESTATE WELL – AND HE KNOWS GREENLAND’S VALUE TO NATIONAL SECURITY

Homes are seen within the village of Narsaq, Greenland, on June 24, 2009. (Rafael Bastante/Europa Press through Getty Pictures)

Nonetheless, Greenland’s leaders have firmly rejected any suggestion that the long run or sovereignty of the territory is open to negotiation.

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated on Fb on Thursday that the world is “not on the market” and won’t be owned or managed by the US.

DENMARK’S FOREIGN MINISTER SAYS TRUMP HAS A POINT ON CHINA AND RUSSIA’S THREAT TO GREENLAND

“Greenland doesn’t need to be a part of america,” Nielsen argued.

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen takes half in a mass demonstration towards President Donald Trump’s proposal to amass Greenland, in Nuuk, Greenland, on January 17, 2026. (Alessandro Rampazzo/AFP through Getty Pictures)

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Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., stated the Trump administration’s makes an attempt to “conquer” territory from an ally have been “extraordinarily silly.”

“It damages President Trump’s legacy and undermines all of the work he has finished over time to strengthen the NATO alliance,” Tillis stated.