NAIROBI, Kenya — U.S. President Donald Trump has said he will “100%” follow through on his threat to impose tariffs on several European countries over their opposition to his efforts to gain control of Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark.
The move has sharply escalated transatlantic tensions and drawn unified pushback from the European Union (EU) and its members.
Trump told NBC News that he would press ahead with tariffs on European imports if a deal to sell Greenland to the United States is not reached.
He specified a planned 10 percent tariff starting February 1, rising to 25 percent in June on goods from countries including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, Finland and the Netherlands — all of which have expressed opposition to the U.S. proposal.
The controversial policy forms part of Trump’s wider push to secure U.S. strategic influence in the Arctic, where melting ice is opening new shipping routes and access to valuable mineral resources. Trump has said such control is crucial for American security and defense interests.
As Prime Minister, I will always act in the United Kingdom’s national interest.
EU Response: Protection of Interests and Possible Retaliation
European leaders and EU officials have responded firmly, stressing that Greenland’s status is not negotiable and that sovereign decisions about the territory rest with Denmark and its people. Officials say they will protect European interests and not be coerced by economic threats.
The EU’s executive leadership, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President Antonio Costa, warned that unilateral tariffs could undermine long-standing transatlantic ties and lead to a “dangerous downward spiral” in relations.
They have condemned the threat and emphasized unity among member states.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed this stance, saying Europe seeks to “avoid escalation” but would defend both European and national interests, including exploring countermeasures if necessary.
Leaders have agreed to hold an emergency summit in Brussels to discuss the response.
“We don’t want a trade dispute with the US”German Chancellor Merz said he would do all that is necessary to protect EU and national interests following US President Trump’s threatened tariffs, but he’s not interested in escalation.
Diplomatic and Political Fallout
The dispute has also prompted strong individual responses:
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized the tariff threat as “completely wrong” and urged dialogue grounded in partnership and respect.
- Multiple European capitals have signaled that any tariff escalation could lead to retaliation, including reimposing tariffs on U.S. goods or possibly deploying the EU’s Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI) — a trade defense tool designed to respond to economic coercion by third countries.
Analysts say the tariff threats — tied to Greenland’s future — mark one of the most serious crises in U.S.–EU relations in decades, blurring lines between trade policy and geopolitical strategy.
Markets and trade partners are watching closely, with concerns that transatlantic cooperation on issues like security, climate change and global economic stability could be affected.
As the February tariff deadline approaches and European leaders coordinate their response, the dispute over Greenland’s sovereignty and the use of economic pressure highlight deepening divisions between the U.S. and its traditional allies.
