European Union leaders are digging in their heels against President Trump’s attempt to use tariffs as leverage to buy Greenland. Officials cautioned on Saturday that the EU warns Trump’s tariff threat might cause a “dangerous downward spiral” in transatlantic relations. To deal with the escalating situation, the EU has summoned envoys for an emergency session on Sunday.
The rhetoric from Brussels has been firm and unified. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Antonio Costa issued a joint message emphasizing that the European Union would remain coordinated. They declared a commitment to upholding sovereignty, signaling that they will not be coerced by trade threats.
The economic threat is specific and severe. President Trump stated that a 10% tariff would be applied to goods from nations including Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands starting February 1. He further threatened to hike these tariffs to 25% on June 1 if the US does not acquire Greenland. This strategy effectively holds European industry hostage to a territorial negotiation.
Addressing security concerns, the EU statement also defended recent Danish activities in the Arctic. Leaders explained that the military exercises were standard, pre-planned events conducted with allies to bolster regional security. They insisted that these actions are defensive in nature and pose no threat to international partners.
Solidarity with Denmark remains the primary focus of the EU’s response. While acknowledging that dialogue between the US and Denmark is taking place, the bloc is mobilizing to ensure Denmark does not face this pressure in isolation. The emergency meeting on Sunday will serve to consolidate the EU’s position before the February 1 deadline.