A sharp escalation across the Atlantic
European leaders have vowed to stand together after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose new tariffs unless Denmark agrees to sell Greenland, a move that has stunned diplomats and raised fears of a fresh trade war. The warning marks an unprecedented escalation in transatlantic tensions and has prompted strong reactions from across the European Union.
Trump announced that products from Denmark, Sweden, Norway, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland and the United Kingdom would face an additional 10% tariff from February 1, with the rate potentially rising to 25% by June. The tariffs, he said, would remain in place until a deal is reached for what he described as the “complete and total purchase of Greenland,” a semi-autonomous territory under Danish sovereignty.
EU leaders reject pressure and defend sovereignty
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, alongside leaders including France’s Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Friedrich Merz, stressed that Europe would respond in a united and coordinated way. Von der Leyen warned that tariff threats risk damaging transatlantic relations and triggering a dangerous downward spiral, while reaffirming the EU’s commitment to defending its sovereignty.
The threat follows a joint European mission to Greenland earlier this week, aimed at strengthening Arctic security. Danish officials have pushed back against US claims that the territory is vulnerable to Russian or Chinese influence, noting that no Chinese warships have been spotted in the area for years. Denmark’s foreign minister said he was taken aback by Washington’s reaction and insisted the mission aligned with shared security goals.
Macron struck a defiant tone, saying Europe would not be intimidated, while Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson warned against giving in to what he called political blackmail. EU Council President António Costa said he would coordinate the bloc’s response as tensions continue to rise.
Calls grow for Europe’s trade countermeasures
The dispute has reignited debate within Europe over how far the EU should go in responding to US pressure. Lawmakers in the European Parliament are increasingly urging the bloc to activate its so-called anti-coercion instrument, a powerful trade tool that would allow Europe to restrict access to its single market and limit participation in public contracts.
Bernd Lange, chair of the Parliament’s trade committee, said the use of trade threats against allies crossed a new line and argued that concessions to Washington should be frozen. Manfred Weber, leader of the European People’s Party, echoed those calls, urging a halt to tariff reductions on US goods.
As the standoff deepens, Europe faces a defining test of its willingness to confront its closest ally over trade, sovereignty and the future of the transatlantic relationship.
